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Ordinance 2024 (928)
A CKNOWLEDGMENTS Adopted on ___________ St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Resolution #___________ Ordinance #____________ Board of Supervisors Bob Long, Chair Bob Feidler, Vice Chair Lisa Lind Shawn Anderson Cathy Leaf Carah Koch Paul Adams Paul Berning Rick Ottino Dave Ostness Scott Counter Daniel Hansen Ryan Sherley Greg Tellijohn Mark Carlson Mike Barcalow Bob Swanepoel Jerry VanSomeren Tim Ramberg Community Development Committee Daniel Hansen, Chair Scott Counter, Vice Chair Shawn Anderson, Secretary Ryan Sherley Jerry VanSomeren Dick Hesselink, FSA Representative Prepared by: St. Croix County Community Development Department St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 1 of 270 T ABLE OF C ONTENTS Acknowledgments ......................................................................... 1 Table of Contents .......................................................................... 2 Introduction .................................................................................. 3 Land Use ...................................................................................... 34 Agriculture Farmland Preservation Plan ................................... 63 Natural Resources ....................................................................... 99 Transportation .......................................................................... 135 Economic Development ............................................................ 167 Housing ..................................................................................... 191 Utilities and Community Facilities ............................................. 206 Cultural Resources .................................................................... 240 Intergovernmental Cooperation ............................................... 249 Implementation ........................................................................ 263 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 2 of 270 I NTRODUCTION St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 3 of 270 Plan Purpose In compliance with Wisconsin Statutes 66.1001 Comprehensive planning, the purpose of this St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan is to guide and accomplish a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the community which will, in accordance with existing and future needs, best promote public health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, or the general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the process of development. The plan provides an inventory of county assets and issues to determine the local needs, identify goals and objectives, and develop measurable steps towards achievement of those goals. The comprehensive plan provides a set of informational resources and a policy framework for development within the county. Issues & Opportunities The following issues and opportunities were identified through the planning process and a county-wide resident survey conducted by the University of Wisconsin-River Fall Survey Research Center in 2022-2023 (see Appendix A). Certain trends become apparent after reviewing the countywide demographic and economic information. Studying these trends and their implications on local quality of life will be useful in guiding public decision making. Since 1970, St. Croix County has experienced some of the fastest population growth in the state; however, being part of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, it is clear its future is somehow linked to the vitality of the area. Indeed, amongst the rural population there has been a transformation from a largely farm population to a rural non-farm population. Since 1960 St. Croix County has seen fairly constant natural increase in population with two periods where in-migration exceeded natural increase (1970-1980 and 1990-2010). It is clear that the national trend of an aging population is reflected in St. Croix County. Large numbers of people will be achieving retirement age over the next 20 years. While the St. Croix County population will be aging, it will also be changing its racial increase. St. Croix County residents have become more educated over the past several decades. Without adequate employment opportunities this can lead to the loss of increasingly well-qualified individuals moving to other areas offering those opportunities. While about 41 percent of St. Croix County workers commute to the Twin Cities, or outside WI, local employment is fairly strong, especially in the manufacturing sector. Overall, the trends reveal that St. Croix County will continue to experience modest growth in population and employment, and its communities will face several challenges as a result. Each chapter element of this comprehensive plan provides a set of informational resources and a policy framework for development within the county. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 4 of 270 Findings and Issues 1.St. Croix County is expected to add 25,474 people by 2040. 2.From 2010-2020, the highest percent population growth (20-25.7%) occurred in New Richmond, Town of Richmond, and Town of Hammond. 3.of the county. 4.Since 1960, the county has experienced increased non-farm residents in rural areas. 5.components of population change revealed that in-migration exceeded natural increases (1990-2000, 2000-2010 and 2010-2020). 6.St. Croix County is expected to add 5,271 new housing units by 2030. 7.31 of 35 municipalities have comprehensive plans; many plans and ordinances overlap in jurisdiction and contain conflicting policies and regulations. 8.Uneven growth in the County has created challenges when developing county wide land use ordinances and policies. 9.Recruitment of agricultural and high tech industry. 10.Large numbers of people will be reaching retirement age over the next 20 years. 11.St. Croix County will continue to experience modest growth in population, housing and employment. 12.Growth and development in the unincorporated areas of the County has resulted in the loss of prime agricultural land and has resulted in more households that are distant from essential services typically found in villages and cities (public sewer and water, health, school, parks, retail/services) resulting in additional traffic and vehicle miles traveled on rural roads and highways. 13.Scattered rural subdivisions of 2 to 5 acre lots have resulted in disjointed and inefficient land use patterns jeopardizing the rural character and agricultural nature of the unincorporated areas. 14.Some private water wells serving homes in the unincorporated areas are seeing increasing levels of nitrates and phosphorus. 15.UWRF survey results indicate that residents are very satisfied with their quality of life in St. Croix County. About 92% of residents indicated that their quality of life is good or excellent. Only 1% of residents in the sample indicated that it was poor, and no resident indicated that their quality of life was very poor. Households with children are more likely to say that their quality of life is excellent relative to households without children. 16.UWRF survey results indicate that the top three reasons residents choose to live in St. Croix County include the small-town atmosphere and rural character, proximity to family and friends, and proximity to the Twin Cities. 17.UWRF survey results indicate that about 43% of residents feel that quality of life in St. Croix County will worsen over the next 10 years, and another 44% feel that it will stay the same. Only 13% of residents feel that quality of life will improve. New residents are more optimistic about changes in quality of life relative to longer-term residents. 18.UWRF survey results indicate that when asked about the one thing residents want to change about St. Croix County, in open ended comments, residents indicated that they would lower taxes, slow population growth and the urban sprawl from the Twin Cities, address excessive commercial and housing development, reduce government regulation, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve roads in the County. 19.UWRF survey results indicate that a significant proportion of residents (43%) feel that St. Croix County has experienced too much population growth over the past 10 years. Only 1% feel that population growth was too little. A greater proportion of residents who have lived in the County for 5 or more years feel that the County experienced too much growth relative to newer residents. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 5 of 270 Opportunities 1.Communities should use coordination and joint planning to promote land-use compatibility, conserve resources, and establish infrastructure linkages and systems. It is important to streamline procedures and review processes with greater emphasis on consistency between communities. 2.Intergovernmental cooperation will increase as State, County, and local budgets become more limiting, and partnerships are pursued. 3., and housing will increase to meet the need. Economic development should occur to provide jobs and secure a high quality of life. The County will evaluate development design and density in the unincorporated areas. 4.The I-94 corridor presents a unique economic opportunity. The -94 is the second most heavily traveled segment of interstate highway in Wisconsin. The county should collaborate with corridor communities to study a comprehensive sewer system along the I-94 corridor to promote economic opportunities and efficient land use. 5.UWRF Survey results indicate a high desire of protecting natural resources including groundwater and surface water quality. 6.UWRF survey results indicate that about half or more of residents indicated that the most -town character and to preserve the water quality. About one-third of residents indicated that the County should work to minimize the urban sprawl. Element issues and opportunities that affect St. Croix County communities are stated within the Goals, Objectives, and Policies within each element chapter of the plan. The goals, objectives and policies address es and solutions in each element chapter including: Land Use, Farmland Preservation Plan & Agricultural Resources, Natural Resources, Transportation, Economic Development, Housing, Utilities & Community Facilities, Cultural Resources, and Intergovernmental Cooperation. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 6 of 270 Plan Process This St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan 2024-2045 is an update of the adopted 2012-2035 Comprehensive Plan. The impetus for the plan update is the recent release of 2020 census demographics and the recommended 10-year update by Wisconsin Statutes §66.1001 comprehensive planning. The plan update process began in August 2022 and proceeded through March 2024. St. Croix County Plan Development Timeline Date Event October 1999 (Wisconsin Statutes 66.1001 Comprehensive planning) Adoption of Development Management Plan: First county-wide comprehensive plan March 2000 (Developed 1997-2000) November 2008 County process began to update the 2000 plan Under Wisconsin Statutes 66.1001(3) County actions shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan including: (g) Official mapping established or amended under s. 62.23 (6). (h) Local subdivision regulation under s. 236.45 or 236.46. January 1, 2010 (j) County zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 59.69. (k) City or village zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 62.23 (7). (l) Town zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 60.61 or 60.62. (q) Zoning of shorelands or wetlands in shorelands St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Adopted Resolution #24(2012) and Ordinance November 5, 2012 #818(2012) approving the 2012-2035 Comprehensive Plan Adoption of St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance, updated consistent with comprehensive November 5, 2019 plan St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Adopted Resolution #44(2022) approving the November 1, 2022 comprehensive plan update public participation plan March 5, 2024 Adoption of County Comprehensive Plan 2024-2045 Plan Organization This plan is organized with the Wisconsin Statutes §66.1001 comprehensive planning elements including the listed plan sections (Right). This plan combines the two previous volumes of the comprehensive plan. The plan goals, objectives, and policies are found within each chapter of the plan. Goals: General statements of desired outcomes of the community; broadly written but specific enough to be able to gauge progress Objectives: More specific and subset of goals; providing measurable strategies Policies: identify existing policies, and those requiring further approval St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 7 of 270 Public Participation On November 1, 2022, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Adopted Resolution #44(2022) approving the comprehensive plan update public participation plan. The resolution outlined the participation procedures to solicit public opinion. County staff implemented the public participation strategies throughout the plan update process including hosting a Comprehensive Plan webpage on the county website, shown below. The University of Wisconsin River Falls Survey Research Center (UWRF SRC) developed a six-page survey and a cover letter in collaboration with St. Croix County. The survey was launched on September 27, 2022. A postcard reminder and a second mailing of the survey were sent to non-respondents, and the survey was closed on November 29. To construct statistically valid estimates (5% margin of error and within a 95% confidence interval), the SRC needed a sample size of 380 responses from the target population of 34,683 occupied housing units in St. Croix County (US Census Bureau, 2020). The SRC invited 1,266 randomly selected households to participate in the survey and a total of 441 responses were collected by the time data collection concluded. This represents a response rate of about 35% and a 4.7% margin of error. Since the actual margin of error is substantially smaller than the statistical standard of 5%, the estimates presented in this report have much higher accuracy than the minimum level required for statistical validity. See Appendix A for UWRF Survey Results. A second open access survey was administered to provide opportunity to all residents to provide feedback in the comprehensive planning process. The survey had unrestricted access to the public as an alternative method to the UWRF random selection of households survey. The survey was entered into the county survey monkey online application. County staff promoted the survey through facebook, county website, public meeting announcements and emails to local and state organizations, community partners and interest groups. The survey was open from November 14, 2022 February 3, 2023. A total of two-hundred and eleven (211) surveys were gathered. Participants were asked to complete the 22-question survey (See Appendix B Open Access Survey Results). St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 8 of 270 Outreach Efforts Public participation outreach efforts included the following listed tasks and events. All public meetings listed below were open to the public and officially posted to notify the public as required by law with an opportunity for public comment at the meeting. Electronic media including County Website, Facebook pages, electronic news blasts and email were utilized to promote, educate, inform and solicit feedback on the comprehensive plan update process, results and recommendations. St. Croix County Plan Update Public Participation Timeline Date Event - Task Began weekly plan update project meetings, developed update process and August 2022 project schedule, and developed public participation plan September 2022 Launched project webpage <https://www.sccwi.gov/Comprehensive-Plan> September 2022 Contracted with UWRF Research Center to develop and report results of a February 2023 random-sample survey of county residents Community Development Committee public meeting to review tentative project October 20, 2022 schedule and make recommendation regarding Resolution #44(2022) comprehensive plan update public participation plan St. Croix County Board of Supervisors public meeting to adopt Resolution November 1, 2022 #44(2022) approving the comprehensive plan update public participation plan Nov 2022 Feb 2023 Launched, promoted, and gathered online open-access survey December 1, 2022 Facilitated public open house at 7:00 pm, at Hudson Gov Center Board Room December 8, 2022 Facilitated public open house at 7:00 pm, at Baldwin Highway Shop, Room A-B. December 19, 2022 River Channel Public Television interview providing plan update information April 20, 2023 Community Development Committee meeting to review survey results April 27, 2023 Community Development Committee work session to review draft May 23, 2023 Community Development Committee work session to review draft June 19, 2023 Community Development Committee work session to review draft Community Development Committee meeting to review draft August 17, 2023 Community Development Committee work session to review draft October 12, 2023 Community Development Committee work session to review draft November 9, 2023 Community Development Committee meeting to review draft December 14, 2023 Community Development Committee work session to review draft January 11, 2024 Community Development Committee meeting to review draft January 18, 2024 Facilitated public open house at 5:00 pm, at Hudson Gov Center Board Room February 8, 2024 Public hearing at Community Development Committee meeting February 15, 2024 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 9 of 270 Background County Setting St. Croix County is located in west central Wisconsin and is separated from Minnesota by the St. Croix River to the west. The county is bordered on the north by Polk County, the east by Dunn County and the south by Pierce County. St. Croix County has a combined land and water area of approximately 469,760 acres. This amounts to roughly 734 square miles, of which 17 percent is in forest cover and 70 percent is used for agriculture. The county is rectangular in shape and is about 33 miles east to west and 24 miles north to south. thth It ranks 40 in land area and 20 in population among the 72 Wisconsin counties. Major transportation corridors include Interstate 94, which travels east and west through the County; U.S. Highway 63, which runs north-south through the west half of the County; State Trunk Highway 29, which bisects the southern part of the County running east and west; State Trunk Highway 64, which runs east and west across the northern third of the County; and State Trunk Highway 27, which runs north and south in roughly the eastern third of the County. A functional network of town roads distributes traffic to numerous county trunk highways. Physically, St. Croix County is part of the Western Upland region of Wisconsin that extends east from and parallel to the St. Croix River and is higher in elevation than the Central Plain to the east. The surface topography of the region varies from rolling plain to rugged hills and escarpments. The glaciers pushed through this area only leaving a portion of southwest Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota, northern Illinois and northwest Iowa untouched on their southward march. This accounts for the southern two-thirds of the Western Upland having rugged topography while the northern third is smoother. The St. Croix River which borders the western side of the county is a significant tributary of the Mississippi River. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 10 of 270 The St. Croix River enters the Mississippi River some seven and a half miles south of the St. Croix County border at Prescott, Wisconsin. St. Croix County is almost entirely in the St. Croix River Basin. A part of eastern St. Croix County lies within the Lower Chippewa River Basin. Numerous tributaries running into the Apple, Willow, Kinnickinnic, Rush, Eau Galle and Hay Rivers drain the County. There are also numerous lakes in the northwestern part of the Count, in the Towns of Somerset, Star Prairie, Stanton and St. Joseph. Within St. Croix County there are 21 unincorporated townships, 11 villages, and 4 cities. The City of Hudson is the county seat and is located on the western edge of the county along the St. Croix River. The western area contains most of the urban developed areas of the county, while the eastern area is mostly agricultural. -fourths of the -St. Paul metropolitan area and the rural lifestyle amenities of western Wisconsin can account for this urbanization. The Cities of New Richmond, River Falls and Hudson fit the US Census urban classification. St. Croix County is the most easterly county in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan area. The influence of economic opportunities and residential migration from the metropolitan area was recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1980 when St. Croix County was added to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area. A Metropolitan Statistical Area is a county or counties with a central city of at least 50,000 people, a total population over 100,000, and significant social and economic ties which exist between the central city and any outlying counties that are included. As a result of the 1990 Census, Pierce County to the south of St. Croix County was included in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area by the Census Bureau. Hence, it is apparent that the influence of the metro area is spreading. Polk County to the north of St. Croix County is also feeling the influence of the metro area. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 11 of 270 County History The French were the first Europeans to sight the land which is now St. Croix County. In 1687 Daniel Greysolon du Luth, a French explorer and adventurer, used the Brule-St. Croix waterway as a short route from Lake Superior to the Mississippi River. A year later, Father Louis Hennepin, a priest of the Order of St. Francis, was brought into the St. Croix territory as a prisoner of the Sioux Indians. It was not however, until 1689 that Nicolas Perrot took possession of the lands of the present Upper Mississippi, St. Croix and St. Peter Valleys in the name of France. French rule ended in the Upper Mississippi Valley with the Treaty of Paris of 1763, and by the Peace of Paris of 1783 the land east of the Mississippi became part of the United States. Although Laurient Barth, Jacques Porlier, and Charles Reaume established a fur-trading station in 1793 on the St. Croix River bordering the land which is now St. Croix County, it was not until peace was fully established with the Native Americans that this region could be fully settled. By a treaty signed at Washington in 1837 the Dakota or Sioux Indians conceded to the United States Government all their lands east of the Mississippi River. In the same year, a treaty was made at Fort Snelling with the Chippewa or Ojibway Indians whereby they conceded to the United States all their lands east of the Mississippi to near the headwaters of the St. Croix and Chippewa Rivers. The first settlement was made at the mouth of the Willow River in 1840 by Louis Massey and Peter J. Bouchea. In the spring of 1839 the steamer Palmyra opened the St. Croix River to trade and travel. The pine forests between the St. Croix River and Minnesota attracted interest in lumbering, and many lumber mills were built in this vicinity in the 1840's. By 1847 frame houses began to appear, and in 1849 a boarding house was opened at what is now the City of Hudson by Moses Perrin. With the establishment of the United States Land Office at Hudson in 1849, great advances were made in population. As a result, the population of St. Croix County, 624 in 1850, had increased to 2,040 by 1855 and 5,388 in 1860. In 1840 the Legislature of Wisconsin created the county of St. Croix, carrying the same name as the bordering river which derived its name from a Monsieur St. Croix, an explorer who was drowned at the mouth of the river late in the seventeenth century. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 12 of 270 The boundaries of St. Croix County have remained constant since 1853. St. Croix County is 30 miles wide in the northern part, increasing to 33 miles in width in the central part, and then tapering down to 30 miles again at its southern extremity. It is 20 miles long and has an area of 729.45 square miles. It was not until 1851 that the County Board of Supervisors appointed Ammah Andrews to erect county buildings. This order was rescinded at a subsequent meeting, but an appropriation of $350 was made for the construction of a county jail. No further progress was made until 1856 when a contract was again made with Ammah Andrews to build a courthouse for $14,300. The total cost of the buildings, completed in 1856, was $20,045. These buildings were used with minor repairs until 1900 when a new courthouse, jail and sheriff's residence were constructed at a cost of $50,000. As demands for more space became apparent, a new jail was erected in 1963 at a cost of $325,000. Upon completion, the previous jail and sheriff's residence were dismantled and construction commenced on that location for a new county courthouse. Erection of the 1965 courthouse was completed in 1966 at a cost of $725,000.00. Another account said Father Hennepin gave this region the French name St. Croix (originally Ste Croix) which means Holy Cross. The rich, rolling prairie lands of St. Croix County were conducive to farming, and by 1881, wheat had become the main farm crop. Oats, corn, potatoes, barley, rye and hay were also raised until dairying commenced. County Vision The vision statement below was developed from the 2012 Visioning Workshops that were held as part of the public participation plan for St. Croix County. Numerous residents and elected officials from around the county worked together to develop an overall Committee, and used throughout the development of this plan. In addition, a more detailed vision statement was crafted for each element of the plan. In the year 2045, St. Croix County is an economically vibrant, scenic, clean, healthy and safe place to live, work, and prosper. It is a place that recognizes its history and agricultural heritage. St. Croix County has committed to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents through education, viable economic opportunities that include agricultural services and manufacturing. There are plenty of recreational opportunities, a full complement of natural resources, and efficient and affective transportation. The county and towns allow development with minimal impact on the overall land use by focusing development along multi-modal transportation corridors that maximize mobility, connectivity, livability, and economic development throughout the county. Each of its vibrant cities and villages has maintained its small town charm and are proud of their heritage and many community events. The cities and villages cooperate to provide municipal services to the citizens and they use tools, such as cooperative boundary and service agreements to save operating expenses. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 13 of 270 Population Demographics Analyzing population size, growth, density, characteristics, and distribution trends reveals facts about the most important component of growth and development in St. Croix County, its residents. Reviewing population characteristics will reveal important indicators of change that must be recognized to effectively prepare for change. In the decades between 195. As shown 4 percent. The population growth rate declined between 2010 and 2020 to 11 percent or 9,191 people. The actual 2020 census population was 93,536 which was below the official Wisconsin Department of Administration (WDOA) 2020 projections of 96,985, a difference of 3,449. The most recent WDOA projections from 2013 indicate that population growth will continue to 2040 reaching an estimated 119,010 shown in the graph and table below. St. Croix County Historic Population and Projections YearChange% ChangePopSource 1950 25,905 U.S. Census 19603,25912.6%29,164 U.S. Census 19705,19017.8%34,354U.S. Census 19808,90825.9%43,262U.S. Census 19906,98916.2%50,251U.S. Census 200012,90425.7%63,155U.S. Census 201021,19033.6%84,345U.S. Census 20209,19110.9%93,536U.S. Census 203017,93419.2%111,470 WI DOA 20407,5406.8%119,010 WI DOA St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 14 of 270 Municipal Population Map The map below reveals the populations of each municipality within St. Croix County in 2020. The highest population areas in the County include City of Hudson (14,755), City of New Richmond (10,079), and Town of Hudson (8671). The eastern rural areas are less populated. Municipal population data is provided by the US Census Bureau. Depending on the individual Town land division policies, some towns have grown at a greater rate than others that are along the same highway corridor. Municipal and county land use policies are discussed in more detail in the Land Use chapter of this plan. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 15 of 270 Municipal Populations The table below shows the historical population change from 1970-2020 for each municipality in St. Croix County. The graphs on the following pages show the municipal population change from 2010 to 2020 within towns (top graph) and villages and cities (bottom graph). The data reveals that the rates of growth declined from 2010-2020 compared to 2000 to 2010. From 2010 to 2020 the following towns had the highest rate of population growth as a percentage of their population in St. Croix County: Town of Richmond25% Town of Hammond22% Town of Troy 17% TOTAL34,35443,26250,25163,15584,34593,53626%16%26%34%11% St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 16 of 270 Density Map The following map shows the population density of St. Croix County municipalities in 2020. Population density categories range from 11-50 people per square mile to 1,001-1,902 people per square mile. The highest density urban areas include Hudson (1,902 per square mile), North Hudson (1,902 per square mile), River Falls (1,212 per square mile), Somerset (1,006 per square mile), and Baldwin (1,341 per square mile). The top 3 high density areas are located along the I-94 corridor. The high-speed traffic flow and accessibility to the metropolitan areas draws development and population. In contrast, rural areas in the eastern half of the county, away from the highway, are low density. The density of development is affected by land use policies adopted by each municipal jurisdiction further discussed in the land use chapter. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 19 of 270 Population Change Map The following map shows St. Croix County population change from 2010-2020 with the highest population shift from 1940, shown in red dot to 2020, shown in grey dot. population location shifted gradually from east to west over the past 80 years. The municipalities with the highest population percent growth from 2010-2020 include: Town of Hammond, Town of Richmond, and City of New Richmond. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 20 of 270 Rural-Urban Population -city) categories as shown in the top graph below. The census data reveals that the rural population has gradually decreased since 1980. comparison shows a relatively equal share of rural-urban residents. In contrast, the State of Wisconsin rural population percentage is much less in 2020 (26%), as shown in the bottom graph below, compared to the County in 2020 (49.5%). St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 21 of 270 Components of Population Change births and deaths, that make up the natural increase or decrease in population, and the decennial migratory \[1\] trends from 1950-2020. The 1970s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s are the decades in which the population increase in St. Croix County was more from net migration than natural increase. Both components of population change decreased in 2010-2020, attributed to the recession. The Great Recession officially occurred between 2007-population growth rates were felt from 2006 - 2015. \[1\] Net migration is the difference between the number of immigrants (people moving into a given place) and the number of emigrants (people moving out of the place). Natural increase equals the number of births minus the number of deaths. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 22 of 270 Population Age and Gender The following graphs show the county population age and gender distribution for 2020 and comparison from 1980-2020. The median age of St. Croix County residents increased 2.5 years from 2010 to 2020 (36.7 to 39.2). The largest age groups in 2010 and 2020 are 35-44 and 45-54. The middle-age groups (35-54) increased during the 2000s due to natural aging and in-migration. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 23 of 270 Population Age Percent Change The table and graph below show population age percent change from 1990-2020. From 1990-2000, one age group (30-34) experienced population decrease. From 2000-2010, all age groups experienced increased growth. From 2010-2020, the county experienced a reduction in population within 6 age groups including 0- 4, 5-9, 25-29, 30-34, 35-44, and 45-54. The reduction could be attributed to economic considerations and migration patterns. All other age groups from 2010-2020 experienced increased population change. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 24 of 270 Population Projections Map The following map shows projected population increases and decreases for the municipalities within St. Croix County. The map reveals top projected increases in Village of Hammond (49%), Town of Somerset (43.97%), City of Hudson (40.8%) and Town of Hudson (38.93%). Decreases are expected in Town of Baldwin (-8.31%) and Town of Stanton (-7.39%). The projections are based on WI Department of Administration population analysis. Small area population forecasts can be used to evaluate potential residential development and economic conditions, and the level of demand for public facilities and services. Businesses, schools and government frequently use these forecasts to determine the future needs or design of public facilities or services. This estimate of future growth is also valuable information for establishing management techniques to guide orderly growth and development. The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) population projections are, by state statute, the official population projections for Wisconsin. Projection Limitations and Factors Projections based on historical trends of population growth extended into the future, with the assumption that those trends will continue to some point in time. Forecasts of large area populations (e.g., states or counties) are more reliable. The smaller the area for which a projection is produced, like an individual community, the greater the possibility for error. The closer the projection year is to the base year; the more likely the population for that projection will be close to the true population. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 25 of 270 County Comparison -2020 in comparison to neighboring counties of Baron, Dunn, Pierce, Polk, WI and Washington, MN. St. Croix County grew second highest from 1970-2000, and the county experienced the highest growth of all neighboring counties between 2000-2010. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 26 of 270 Education Level The Decennial Census provides information on educational attainment levels, which are listed in the graph and table below. St. Croix County saw a greater percentage of residents 25 years or older with high school or higher education levels in 2020 than in 2000 and 2010. These indicators certainly demonstrate a well- educated population. It should be no surprise with the large investments in education and the increasing requirement for technical or post-secondary degrees for job placement that larger numbers of people are pursuing higher education. St. Croix County communities have a significant percentage of people who have attained high school or higher educational levels (96.6 percent in 2020). Since 2000, more St. Croix County residents have pursued post- secondary education, from 26.3% in 2000 to 37.5% in 2020. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 27 of 270 Employment Industry The Census Bureau collects place-of-residence employment data. This means the data states what industries or occupations the residents of St. Croix County communities work within. The following graph and table show the census employment industry comparison for 2000, 2010, and 2020. Top industries in St. Croix County include: Education, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services. The Census data shows that top four industries in St. Croix County have remained the same over the past two decades. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 28 of 270 Time to Work residence, it also provides information that can graph and table below show how long it took St. Croix County residents to get to work in 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. The percentage of residents who commuted 20 minutes to 59 minutes increased from 1990 to 2020. From 2010 to 2020, the percentage of residents that commuted over 1 hour decreased slightly from 8.2% to 7.4%. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 29 of 270 Place of Work In general, St. Croix County residents are experiencing longer commutes to work. This is important, in part because it is one indicator of the use of the existing transportation infrastructure. For example, growing commute times, coupled with a growing population, results in an increased demand for road maintenance and expansion. It is uncertain if this trend will continue with recent increases in energy prices. Studying the special distribution of workers and employment centers is helpful with economic development efforts and transportation infrastructure management and more information is provided in the transportation chapter. The graph and table below show the place of work of St. Croix County residents in three Census categories including: Worked in St. Croix County, worked in another WI county, and worked outside WI. The comparative data for 2000, 2010, and 2021 reveals that over 50% of residents work in St. Croix County. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 30 of 270 Commuting Pattern The American Community Survey (ACS) asks respondents about their primary workplace location. The data reveals an estimated 25,967 residents live and work within the county, which contributes to a stable economy and indicates shorter commute times. The graph below shows the estimated commuter outflow and inflow to St. Croix County and the estimated number of residents living and working within the county in 2021. residence location and workplace location data, an estimated 22,899 residents traveled outside the county for primary work. In contrast, an estimated 12,835 people traveled into St. Croix County for primary work. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 31 of 270 Income The following graph and table show St. Croix County household income in 1999, 2010, and 2020. The US Census provides household income data in 10 income categories ranging from less than $10,000 to $200,000 \[1\] or more, and the median and mean income levels. increased nearly $40,000 since 1999. The data reveals that incomes have consistently increased since 1999. St. Croix County Household Income (%)199920102020Change < $10,00045.82.4-3.4 $10,000 to $14,9994.11.72.81.1 $15,000 to $24,9998.65.44.9-0.5 $25,000 to $34,9999.410.95.7-5.2 $35,000 to $49,99917.615.510.1-5.4 $50,000 to $74,99924.819.217.4-1.8 $75,000 to $99,99916.314.215.91.7 $100,000 to $149,9991117.723.55.8 $150,000 to $199,9992.14.79.54.8 $200,000 or more1.94.87.83 Median income (dollars) 62,38654,930 84,985 Mean income (dollars) 81,19763,398 1 03,255 Source: US Census \[1\] The median income divides the income distribution into two equal groups, one having incomes above the median, and other having incomes below the median. Mean income is the amount obtained by dividing the total income of a particular statistical universe by the number of units in that universe. Thus, mean household income is obtained by dividing total household income by the total number of households. For the various types of income, the means are based on households having those types of income. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 32 of 270 Race white ethnic group. The graph and table below show the distribution of the population by race according to US Census 2020 data. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 33 of 270 L AND U SE St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 34 of 270 Land Use Vision St. Croix County values its historic roots in farming and other natural resource-based activities and desires to maintain its rural character or feel. We have achieved a rural feel by ensuring that there are ample amounts of open space between cities and/or villages, by encouraging commercial and industrial development to locate within or adjacent to cities and villages and limiting subdivision development outside of city and village limits. The open space is a mix of farming and natural resources including parks, trails, natural areas, river ways, hunting land, woods and wetlands. In addition, historic barns have been preserved and restored as part of the open views. The western side of the county has taken a different approach to open space and housing than the eastern side which has seen less pressure from development. Introduction Land use is a critical factor in managing the future growth of St. Croix County. Land use trends indicate what changes are occurring regarding type, location, and intensity of uses over time. It is these land use changes that should be managed in a manner that is beneficial to the residents and environment in St. Croix County. Perhaps the most noticeable changes in St. Croix County over the past three decades were land use changes in and around cities and villages and the development of rural subdivisions. The rural land use changes were mostly from agricultural land to residential land, but also included some commercial and a few instances of industrial development. Regardless of its location in the County, the majority of the new development followed a different land use pattern than was prevalent over the last 100 years. The development since 1980 consisted of large lot rural subdivisions and larger urban lots creating lower density levels in both rural and urban areas. Proximity and connection to the interstate system around the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area provided new residents, who moved to St. Croix County to take advantage of reasonably-priced homesites, with quick, easy access to employment, shopping and recreation. As the residential numbers increased, commercial and industrial development activity expanded proportionately. The growth and accompanying land use changes were greater in the western side of the county and along the I-94 corridor illustrating the influence of the Twin Cities and the transportation system. The growing population required new and expanded roads, municipal sewer and water systems, and new schools. St. Croix County has experienced dramatic residential growth, causing changes in land use in western areas of the County and in proximity to major highway corridors. This growth can have a dramatic impact on communities. Development of productive farm or forest land can impact water resources, roads, and schools; can cause conflicts between farm and non-farm uses; and contributes to forest fragmentation. This chapter includes a discussion of land supply, demand, and prices in the County. The Agriculture and environmentally sensitive areas, and engineering constraints. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 35 of 270 Land Use Issues and Opportunities Findings and Issues 1.Land use issues and conflicts vary across the county; primarily from west to east. 2.Changing land uses such as non-metallic mining and renewable energy systems (See land use conflicts infra). 3.The continuing conversion of farmland to other uses. 4.Administering a county zoning ordinance for towns that have varying future land use plan maps and growth expectations. 5.The construction of the St. Croix River Crossing in 2017 has impacted the residential/commercial growth pressure on the Somerset/New Richmond area of the county. 6.Agriculture is the predominant land use at 244,934 acres (58%). 7.St. Croix County experienced the highest percentage of population increase of any county in Wisconsin from 1990-2010. 8.The number of housing units in St. Croix County has increased 14.4% from 33,983 units in 2010 to 38,875 units in 2022. 9.It is projected that by the year 2040 St. Croix County will have 49,074 housing units, a 29% increase from the 2020 Census number of 37,935 housing units. 10.The estimated number of platted, vacant lots in 2022 was 1,370. 11.Growth pressure has been greatest on the western side of the county because of the transportation 12.Assessed residential acreage in incorporated areas, increased by about 316% while populations increased by over 30% from 1987 to 2010. This indicates that even the incorporated communities in the County have issues with low density residential development. 13.Ninety-one percent of the assessed residential acreage and 50% of the population are located in rural towns. If this trend continues, it has serious implications for impacts on natural resources and productive lands, demands for services and conflicts between farm and non-farm uses in St. Croix County. 14. However, commercial land is often much more intensively developed and contains larger buildings in incorporated communities than the commercial land in the unincorporated areas. This indicates commercial activity in cities and villages is more intensive and includes commercial uses much larger in scale than in the towns. However, scattered local-serving, resource-based and agriculturally related commercial enterprises in the rural areas serve a useful purpose. Yet, cities and villages will continue to provide more regional shopping hubs. 15. areas; and by 109 acres in the villages and cities between 2010 and 2022. Industrial activity will continue to largely occur in the cities and villages where urban services are available; however, there are significant industrial activities in unincorporated areas, such as light fabricating and non-metallic resources extraction. 16.The number of houses per 40 acres decreases to less than one unit in the eastern half of the county 17.Based on land sales from 1998 to 2020, the price of agricultural land continuing in agricultural use increased steadily until the economic decline in 2006/2007 and has since risen back to 2005 levels in response to rising agricultural commodity prices. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 36 of 270 18.The price of agricultural land converted to other uses climbed dramatically from 1998 until it peaked in 2005. Prices then declined dramatically because of the economic recession down to year 2000 levels. In 2010, the economic impacts on the price of agricultural land had reached a point where regardless of eventual use; the sale prices were essentially equal. Since 2011, prices of agricultural land converted to other uses has fluctuated with the highest price per acre in 2012. 19.In St. Croix County historical prices indicate that a premium is paid for forested land converted to residential use. 20.Good agricultural land is generally good development land because the land with the least limitations agriculture also has the least limitations for development and is therefore easier to develop. Opportunities 1.The supply of existing lots will affect the rate of new residential development and may slow the conversion of farmland. 2.Farmland will continue to be converted to other uses but changes in farmland preservation programs may affect the rate and type of conversion. 3.As the county demographics change residents may prefer smaller lots and denser subdivisions to fit changing lifestyles with greater access to services. 4.The St. Croix River Crossing will require cooperation and coordinated planning to balance development and conservation in the northern half of the county. 5.Land use policies and regulations will need to address the variations in development pressure and type across the county. 6.There are significant tracts of natural resources lands available in St. Croix County for open space, habitat, and nature based recreation. 7.After eliminating land with physical limitations, there remains approximately 250,000 acres in St. Croix County that could be developed. 8.The existing supply of residential lots, 1,370 in 2022, is enough to supply expected demand. Encouraging development on the existing available lots is in line with efficient land use management, conservation of natural resources, utilization of existing infrastructure, and preservation of agricultural land within the county. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 37 of 270 Redevelopment Opportunities As a County with numerous cities, villages, and hamlets, many sites in the County have opportunities for redevelopment. Following Plan policy, it is highly recommended that communities first develop in areas where redevelopment can occur. In most cases, these sites are serviced by public water and public sewer. In addition, these sites are often accessible via walking and biking and located in or near the downtown core of a community. There are limited opportunities for redevelopment in the rural areas. The County requires non- metallic mining sites to be reclaimed for agriculture, or other natural resources. In some cases the reclamation will open the site up for new land-uses and recreational development once mining activities cease. Land Use Conflicts Land-use compatibility and conflicts are an important issue in every community and county. This chapter addresses the conflicts with a planned land use map delineating locations for different land uses including commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural to reduce adverse impacts of land use conflicts. Some main land use conflicts identified in the planning process include the following. 1.Protection of water and natural resources from adverse impacts of development and agricultural uses 2.Impacts of non-metallic mining operations 3.Impacts of renewable energy systems (anaerobic digesters, solar, and wind turbines) 4.Conflicts between rural residential and farm operations and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) The first conflict listed above, underlying many conflicts throughout St. Croix County, is the protection of water and other natural resources from the adverse impacts of all types of development and agricultural uses. In the rural areas of the County, localized conflicts exist between farming operations and residential growth. This incompatibility is more evident in the case of large agricultural operations and animal feedlot operations which some believe are more like industrial uses and are not compatible with nearby residential Second, non-metallic mining operations are becoming significantly more prominent throughout west central Wisconsin, and this includes increasing pressures in St. Croix County. These operations can be controversial in that they can impact water and air quality. In addition, the associated noise and truck traffic impacts roads and other properties. Third, renewable energy systems including anaerobic digesters, solar, and wind turbines are also a topic of discussion in St. Croix County. Anaerobic digestion is a process through which bacteria break down organic matter such as animal manure, biosolids, and food wastes that results in biogas (electricity, heat, fuel) or digestate (fertilizer). Parts of St. Croix County have adequate wind speeds to attract large wind turbines. Long-term impacts and concerns of renewable energy systems include cost, maintenance, and soil, water, and air quality. Fourth, conflicts exist between rural residents and farm operations including CAFOs. The rural areas of St. Croix County continue to experience growth with new rural residents. Rural areas differ in many ways from an urban community. The County Extension Rural Living Guide includes helpful information for rural residents The guide addresses farm operations, emergency response, building & development, animals & wildlife, and recreation. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 38 of 270 Existing Assessed Land Use Map The map below shows the existing assessed land use categories including residential, commercial, manufacturing, undeveloped, woodland overlay, agriculture, open space and water. Difficulties exist in using assessment data for land use mapping and analysis. Some lots are assessed with more than one land use category (e.g. Residential, agricultural, and forest). Therefore, analysis of the assessed land use categories requires interpretation of the most prominent land use. The map below shows the primary assessed land use and overlay woodland land use. Further analysis of the assessed land use categories is stated below in the existing assessed land use acres section. The acre data reveals the following land use trends: 1) Agriculture assessed land use acreage consistent decrease since 1987 (84%) to 2022 (58%) that is largely attributed to the significant changes in how land is assessed in Wisconsin, 2) Forest assessed land use acres consistent increase from 1987 (9%) to 2022 (16%), and 3) Residential acres consistent increase from 1987 (5%) to 2022 (14%). The land use projections analysis below utilizes the assessed land use data and forecasts that the land use trends that have happened in the past will continue into the future. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 39 of 270 The graph and table below show a historic comparison of the number of acres and percentage of total acres in seven assessed land use categories from 1987 to 2022. The seven assessed land use classifications include: 1 agriculture, forest, residential, undeveloped, commercial, other, and manufacturing (industrial). The land use acreage statistics were derived from local assessment data collected by local assessors and compiled by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and St. Croix County. The data reveals the following land use trends: 1.Agriculture assessed land use acreage consistent decrease since 1987 (84%) to 2022 (58%) 2.Forest assessed land use acres consistent increase from 1987 (9%) to 2022 (16%) 3.Residential acres consistent increase from 1987 (5%) to 2022 (14%) 1987 Acres 1997 Acres 2007 Acres 2010 Acres 2022 Acres Assessment Class1987%1997%2007%2010%2022% AssessedAssessedAssessedAssessedAssessedchangechangechangechange Agricultural355,65484.2%320,49476.9%257,67763.0%252,76861.9%244,93457.7%-35,160-62,817-4,909-7,834 Forest37,0868.8%48,31911.6%50,91512.5%51,79812.7%69,91716.5%11,2332,59688318,119 Residential22,1125.2%35,3008.5%52,64612.9%53,46213.1%59,68014.1%13,18817,3468166,218 Undeveloped 4,5971.1%4,7021.1%37,8549.3%40,0129.8%38,1509.0%10533,1522,158-1,862 Commercial2,2730.5%3,5290.8%5,0591.2%5,5481.4%6,8681.6%1,2561,5304891,320 Other00.0%3,5690.9%3,2270.8%3,2330.8%3,3810.8%3,569-3426148 Manufacturing8390.2%1,0720.3%1,3690.3%1,3960.3%1,2790.3%23329727-117 Total422,561416,995408,747408,217424,209 Source: Wisconsin Department of Revenue, 2022 St. Croix County Category Definitions: Undeveloped (class 5) Areas commonly called marshes, swamps, thickets, bogs or wet meadows, Fallow tillable land, Road right-of-way, ponds and depleted gravel pits, Land because of soil or site conditions is not producing or capable of producing commercial forest products. Other (class 7) Buildings and improvements on a farm (ex: houses, barns and silos along with the land necessary for their location and convenience) St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 40 of 270 Assessed Land Use Acre Change 1987-2022 The graph and table below show the numeric change of the seven land use assessed categories from 1987- 2022. While the decrease in agriculture land use is significant, this can also be misleading due to changes in the state definition of agricultural assessment. From 1994 to 2009 there were significant changes in how property is assessed in Wisconsin. Use value assessment, which was implemented between 1996 and 2000, shifted land uses from the agricultural assessment classification to four new or renamed classifications. These included undeveloped, ag forest, ag buildings and sites and other. Ag Forest and Undeveloped land assessment has increased significantly since 1987 which can attribute to some of the loss of agricultural assessed land. Assessment Category changechangechangechange Agricultural-35,160-62,817-4,909-7,834 Forest11,2332,59688318,119 Residential13,18817,3468166,218 Undeveloped 10533,1522,158-1,862 Commercial1,2561,5304891,320 Other3,569-3426148 Manufacturing23329727-117 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 41 of 270 Existing Land Cover The land cover map below is derived from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources data from 2016. The land cover data layer shows land cover categories including: water, wetland, cultivated, grasslands, rural residential urban, woodlot, forest, and pine plantation. The following table and graph show the number and percent of acres of each land cover category. The data reveals that cultivated land (66%) is the dominant land cover in the county. Scattered forest and grasslands cover an estimated 24% of land. Open water and wetlands cover roughly 3% of land. Land Cover TypeFrequencyAcres% Cultivated429 312,260 66.30% Forest1637 75,401 16.01% Grasslands1151 38,810 8.24% Urban644 20,371 4.33% Open Water119 9,240 1.96% Rural Residential133 6,033 1.28% Wetland245 4,613 0.98% Pine Plantation184 4,106 0.87% Woodlot17 143 0.03% St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 42 of 270 Land use policy influences housing density, residential development, and land subdivision. The map below shows the density of housing units per 40 Acres in 2020 within the towns in St. Croix County. The map highlights town density only because the county does not regulate lots size or housing within the villages and cities. Generally, since 2010, density is increasing in the rural St. Croix County Towns. Higher density in the west and along the I94 corridor indicates the influence of the Twin Cities on housing and residential development. The east half of the county with lower housing density is more rural with greater tracts of agricultural land. The density or number of houses on the landscape contributes to the rural feel of St. Croix County and can be a contributing factor to land use conflicts. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 43 of 270 The following graph and table show the rural-urban housing unit distribution from 2000-2020 in St. Croix County. The data reveals that housing has remained relatively equal in distribution since 2000, with roughly half the housing units in the villages and cities (urban) and half the housing units in the towns (rural). 2020 (49%). The slight decrease can be attributed to land use policies that encourage urban housing development rather than rural. Urban housing development is more cost efficient and conserves valuable natural and agricultural resources. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 44 of 270 Public Natural Resource Land Acres Town20052022 Change Significant natural resources and public lands exist in St. 1Baldwin4070 30 Croix County. Public lands in the table and map below are 2Cady0 0 owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park 3Cylon3,2263,412 186 Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, St. 4Eau Galle71 71 Croix County, and Towns. Public land areas are managed 5Emerald160160 0 6Erin Prairie1,1721,186 14 as open space to provide important feeding, breeding, 7Forest0 0 nesting, cover, and other habitat values to a wide variety 8Glenwood3838 0 of plant and animal species. Some areas are open to the 9Hammond2626 0 public for hunting, fishing, environmental education and 10Hudson1,5301,561 31 11Kinnickinnic467568 101 interpretation, wildlife observation and wildlife 12Pleasant Valley120120 0 photography. 13Richmond1,0662,243 1,177 14Rush River125125 0 The table shows the public land acres by town. The 15Somerset2,4292,585 156 16Springfield666666 0 increase in acres from 2005-2022 is somewhat 17St. Joseph1,6672,019 352 attributable to the additional purchased lands including 18Stanton2,7463,027 281 Homestead Parklands, land in St. Joseph, Orf Family 19Star Prairie633633 0 Overlook, land along Apple River, Eckert Blufflands, and 20Troy42 42 DNR purchases. 21Warren1,4271,385-42 Total17,53819,937 2,399 Source: St. Croix County The map below shows public land areas in St. Croix County. The Natural Resources chapter of this plan provides more information and maps showing environmental corridors, soils, and bedrock that influence land use. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 45 of 270 Land Supply & Prices County Agricultural Land Sales The graph and table below show agricultural land sales total acres sold and average price per acre 1998-2020. n in the table below. The data reveals the following agricultural land sales trends. 1.Total agricultural acres sold peaks in 1998-2000, 2003-2005, and 2011-2012 2.Total agricultural average price per acre peaks in 2001-2003, 2005-2006, and 2020 3.Since 2006, the number of agricultural acres sold continuing in agricultural use is consistently higher than the number of acres converted to other uses 4.Average price per agricultural acre converted to other uses is typically higher than acres continuing in agricultural use Source: USDA, *Extrapolation calculation based on 2011-2018 data (Unavailable 2019 acres converted to other uses) St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 46 of 270 -2020. The data reveals that the number of agricultural land acres sold continuing in agriculture use was consistently higher than acres converted to other uses since 2006. -2020. The data reveals that the agricultural land average price per acre of agricultural acres converted to other uses is usually higher than agricultural acres continuing in agriculture use with exceptions in 2009, 2011, and 2017. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 47 of 270 Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection reported the following in September 2022, Wisconsin Agricultural Land Sales 2021. In 2021, the average value of agricultural land sales in Wisconsin without buildings or improvements continuing in agricultural use averaged $6,202 per acre, while land being diverted to other uses averaged $32,158 per acre. The steep climb in values for agricultural land being diverted to other uses came primarily from land being developed for commercial uses in southeastern Wisconsin. The average value of forest land continuing in forest land averaged $2,562 per acre, while land being diverted to other uses was $3,241per acre. County land sale trends are similar to the statewide trends. for agricultural use reported to and reviewed by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Bureau of Equalization. Sales made under other than normal market conditions (such as family sales or foreclosures) are not included. With each sale of a parcel of land, the buyer is required to file a Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Return, documenting the parcel size, sale price, present use, and intended use of the property. State appraisers inspect the site and verify the transfer return. The sales data are a summary of the Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Returns. Specifics on land sales transactions within a certain county can be obtained by contacting the Department of Revenue or at www.revenue.wi.gov/retr. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 48 of 270 The graph and table below show forest land sales total acres sold and average price per acre 1998-2021. The USDA provides the forest land sale data in two additional categories, shown in the table below, including Forest land continuing in forest use, and Forest land being diverted to other uses. The data reveals that the average price per acre has overall increased from 1998 ($1,580) to 2021 ($9,127), with a peak value occuring in 2005 ($11,464). The total number of forest acres sold has fluctuated with high numbers in 1998, 2001, and 2021. Since 1998, the price per acre of forest land being diverted to other uses is consistently higher than forest land continuing in forest use. St. Croix County Forested Land Sales 1998-2021 Forest land continuingForest land being diverted to other in forest useusesTotal of all forest land Number of Acres Dollars Number of Acres Dollars per Number of Acres Dollars per Yeartransactionssoldper acretransactionssoldacretransactionssoldacre 199840567$1,430341,099$1,657741,666$1,580 200131745$2,33930643$7,755611,388$4,848 200511158$3,88118404$14,43029562$11,464 20079252$2,9259140$4,97118392$3,656 201021307$2,5655163$3,28526470$2,815 201228528$2,2994219$3,67632747$2,703 201327854$3,130140$8,75028894$3,381 201430623$3,4684201$4,55134824$3,732 201526802$2,826486$3,50330888$2,891 201624522$4,160693$5,54030615$4,368 201719441$2,7477254$3,61026695$3,062 201822509$2,9136258$5,69128767$3,847 201914499$3,8074120$6,16818619$4,265 202033726$4,3535135$5,52238861$4,537 2021491,569$5,1693129$3,958521,698$9,127 Source: USDA St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 49 of 270 The graph and table below show residential land sales total acres sold and average price per acre. The WI Departement of Revenue provides information on real estate transfer data in select predominant use categories including residential land sales. The data years available during this planning process included 2018-2023. The data reveals that the average price per acre has increased from 2018 ($50,410) to 2023 ($115,743). The number of residential acres sold has fluxuated with the highest number in 2022 (1,332). The table below shows the average number of acres sold and the average total value of residential land sales in St. Croix County. The data reveals that the average number of acres sold has increased consistently since 2018 (3.8) to 2023 (7.5). The average total value of residential land sales in St. Croix County have increased from 2018 ($329,302) to 2023 ($871,201). Source: WI DOR Real Estate Transfer Data St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 50 of 270 The graph and table below shows the number of new lots platted or created each year and the number of new addresses issued for new construction each year since 2000. Many of these lots were developed during the height of the housing boom in St. Croix County. As the chart illustrates many more lots were platted than buildings were constructed from 2000-2006. The number of excess lots may impact the demand for developable land for residential development. The table shows the difference in the number of lots minus the number of addresses. Most years reflect more lots than addresses with a few exceptions. The few years where more addresses were issued than lots platted include: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2021. St. Croix County Towns New New Difference Difference (Lots - Addresses)(Lots - Addresses) YearAddressesNew LotsYearAddressesNew Lots 20004891215 726 2001648829 181 201212393-30 20026321025 393 201343113 70 2003724946 222 201412199-22 2004686883 197 2015153172 19 2005543986 443 2016112166 54 2006326605 279 2017126169 43 2007224232 8 2018174241 67 2008112121 9 201994227 133 20098268-14 2020256359 103 20107253-19 2021243192-51 20115570 15 2022169185 16 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 51 of 270 The residential real estate market drives the demand for developable land in St. Croix County. Two indicators of a dynamic economy and potentially changing land use patterns are land sales and prices. These two indicators could mean a demand to convert land to more intensive uses such as residential, commercial or industrial. In turn, additional community services may be needed to support this change. In general, land prices in St. Croix County have been increasing. There has been a historic demand for agricultural and forested lands to be converted to residential and other uses. The number of transactions converting farmland to other uses has also declined. The sale of agricultural land remaining in agriculture has generally remained steady in the number of transactions. Major influences on land sales include the St. Croix Crossings bridge construction completion in 2017 and the War on Ukraine. The bridge construction eased transportation from the Twin Cities metropolitan area to St. Croix County, increasing the value of residential land. The export market of our commodities has a substantial impact on commodity prices, and large increases due to the war, which in turn drive agricultural land prices within St. Croix County. The existence of some natural features in the physical environment, such as water, topography, and soil conditions, can act as constraints on development. Understanding the physical characteristics of the County can help identify areas that are more conducive to development activities and areas that may be better suited for non-development activities such as agriculture and natural resource management. The Natural Resources chapter of this plan discusses and maps areas that have natural limitations for development, such as Primary Environmental Corridors in St. Croix County. In a number of instances, some of these development limitations may be overcome by more extensive and costly St. Croix County Natural Limitations Acres development methods; however, development FeaturePercent*Acres should be encouraged in areas in which it can be most accommodated and have the least impact Steep Slopes16%77,342 on environmentally sensitive and valued Shoreline Zoning29%136,712 resource areas. The table and graph show Waterbodies4%16,968 approximate acres of the natural limitations. Riverway Zoning2%10,000 Features such as riverway, shoreline and flood Flood Hazard Areas15%70,000 hazard overlap therefore a total percent of Source: 2023 St. Croix County GIS, *Approximate percentages based on selected natural limitations is not provided. total county acres = 470,400, Total limitation percent is not provided because the features overlap St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 52 of 270 The loss of agricultural land is expected to continue, though it is the goal that the rate of loss be slowed and the loss of prime farmlands be significantly minimized. The decrease in agricultural acres comes directly from the increase of rural, suburban, and urban development and agricultural areas reverting to forested areas. The table and graph below show estimated land use acre projections to 2040 based on the 2010-2020 changes and population projections. Land Use Acre Projections 2025-2040 Acres (Ac) 2010 2020#10-20Ratio#20-252025#25-302030#30-352035#35-402040 Residential Ac 53,46257,5464,084 0.444 4,85062,3963,11965,5151,96867,4831,38268,865 Commercial Ac 5,5446,193649 0.071 7716,9644967,4593137,7722207,992 Industrial Ac 1,4971,57578 0.008 931,668601,727381,765261,791 Agriculture Ac 252,768250,027-2,741NA-5713244,314-3,675240,640-2,319238,321-1,628236,693 Population84,34593,5369,191 10,914104,4507,020111,4704,430115,9003,110119,010 Source: St. Croix County The land use projections are based on population and land-use growth trends between 2010 and 2020. The comparison of residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural land-use acreage to the increase in population over the time period sets the foundation for the projections. For example, for every one person increase in net population, there was a .444 increase in assessed residential acres. For each person increase in net population, the remaining land-uses changed by: commercial (+.071 acres), industrial (+.008 acres). This projection takes what transpired between 2010 and 2020, rural large lot residential development and residential and commercial development in villages and cities and uses that for future projections from 2025 to 2040. This scenario assumes that development to 2040 will be of similar density and land-use composition to development between 2010 and 2020. The projection shows that there will be a loss of over 13,000 agricultural acres, or roughly 20 square miles. This number was calculated by subtracting the increases in residential, commercial, and industrial land. Official Population projections including the 2020 Decennial Census were not available for the completion of this plan, therefore the population projections are based on the 2010 Census. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 53 of 270 There are numerous factors that will play a role in future commercial and industrial growth. This includes Interstate 94 traveling through the County, the universities and colleges located in and in close proximity to the County, expansion/decrease of the Twin Cities sphere of influence into the County, and the possibility of high-speed passenger rail service in the County. All of these variables make it difficult to project for the planning horizon. Given the dynamics of the County (different proximities to the Twin Cities, Interstate Highway 94, new St. Croix River Crossing, and numerous small communities) that can impact all types of growth, it is extremely difficult to determine land-use projections at a county scale and where growth will occur. As such, these projections should be used with full understanding of the limitations and parameters used in their development. There is sufficient supply of land in St. Croix County to meet the residential, commercial, and industrial growth needs in all the municipalities if agricultural land is converted to other uses. St. Croix County is challenged by Towns that choose to preemptively apply a basic residential zoning district (R-2) across their entire town. During the 2017-2019 St. Croix County Comprehensive Zoning Revision process, the County identified scenarios for the number of lots a town could accommodate when they opted 2 for an R-2 Residential Zoning District which allows most agricultural uses and major subdivisions (2 acre lots). Of the five towns, under current County zoning, that went with a predominantly R-2 Residential Zoning District, their growth projections from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration totaled 2,175 new housing units between 2020 and 2040. The 2023 updated projected amount of housing units that could be realized from the blanket R-2 Residential Zoning District designation in these five towns totals 20,000- 25,000 housing units. The predominant use in these towns is agriculture. The result of this over zoning will lead to: 2 1.Perpetuating and promoting disconnected rural residential major subdivisions resulting in increasing costs to maintain new roads and to run services like school busses, postal/package delivery and garbage service, to name a few. These rural developments are distant from essential services typically found in villages and cities (public sewer and water, health care, schools, parks, retail/services) resulting in the need for more rural roads and increased maintenance costs in the future. 2.Continued fragmentation of agricultural lands and impacts to rural character. 3.Creates more opportunities for land use conflicts with new residential dwellings built next to active farming operations. As an alternative option explored during the 2017-2019 County Comprehensive Zoning Revision process, the Ag-2 Agricultural Zoning District allows 1 dwelling unit per 20 acres of density. This type of density can substantially be accommodated by existing networks of roadways. The five towns mentioned previously, could more than accommodate their 2040 household projections by implementing the Ag-2 Agricultural Zoning District category. Major Subdivision: A subdivision resulting in the creation of five or more lots from a parcel that existed 5 years prior to the date of the application. Minor Subdivision: A subdivision resulting in the creation of four or less lots from a parcel that existed 5 years prior to the date of application. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 54 of 270 Future Land Use Plan Map In accordance with State planning law this section summarizes the future land use plan for St. Croix County and contains information required under SS66.1001. The information is intended to provide a written explanation of the St. Croix County Future Land Use Map, which depicts the desired pattern of land use and policies. The Future Land Use Plan identifies areas of similar character, use, and density. These land use areas are not zoning districts, as they do not legally set regulatory criteria for land use. The Future Land Use Map categories were developed with existing land cover, and comparison to the Town comprehensive plan future land use maps. The classifications show existing land uses and designate areas for future use, preservation, or development. Future land use classifications differ from one jurisdiction to another, therefore the County plan and map utilizes a set of generalized future land use classifications to simplify local land use plans into a Countywide pattern. Future Land Use Classifications The following pages provide descriptions of the future land use classifications as designated on the Future Land Use Map. Land use classifications include: Residential, Mixed Rural Residential, Mixed Rural Agriculture, Agriculture, Commercial, Industrial, Utilities and Institutional, Recreation Open Space, Waterbodies, Primary Environmental Corridor, Commercial/ Development Nodes, Railroad, and Roads. Each future land use classification description provides a purpose statement, example uses, zoning recommendations, and density of development as applicable. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 55 of 270 Residential Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Residential classification is to identify areas suitable for future residential development. Residential areas include lands that are delineated as existing residential properties or vacant platted areas. In addition, some undeveloped land has been designated for Residential development where subdivision expansion is likely to occur. These additional areas tend to be adjacent to existing rural subdivisions or where local roads and utilities exist to efficiently and economically serve the area. Example Uses: Single-family residential development, existing farmland, scattered open lands, woodlots, agricultural-related uses, cottage industries, and mineral extraction operations. Zoning Recommendations: Land within the Residential areas is regulated by the corresponding jurisdictional Zoning Ordinance depending on location within the county, town, city, or village. The County recommends this land should be zoned R-2, R-3 (R-3 only if zoning district requirements for sewer and water can be met) if under current County zoning regulations consistent with the purpose statement listed above. Density: The preferred housing unit density for this area is one unit per 2 or more acres; however local comprehensive plans may be more or less restrictive than this guideline. Mixed Rural Residential Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Mixed Rural Residential classification is to identify areas suitable for future residential development. Mixed Rural Residential areas include lands that are delineated as existing residential properties or vacant platted areas. In addition, undeveloped land has been designated for residential development where subdivision expansion is likely to occur. These additional areas tend to be adjacent to existing rural subdivisions or where local roads and utilities exist to efficiently and economically serve the area. These additional areas are also delineated by local comprehensive plans. Example Uses: Existing farmland, scattered open lands, woodlots, agricultural-related uses, cottage industries, mineral extraction operations, and single-family residential development. Zoning Recommendations: Land within the Mixed Rural Residential areas is regulated by the corresponding jurisdictional Zoning Ordinance depending on location within the county, town, city, or village. The County recommends this land should be zoned R-1, R-2 if under current County zoning regulations consistent with the purpose statement listed above. Density: The preferred housing unit density for this area is one unit per 2 or more acres; however local comprehensive plans may be more or less restrictive than this guideline. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 56 of 270 Mixed Rural Agriculture Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Mixed Rural Agriculture classification is to preserve productive agricultural lands, while allowing limited residential development than is allowed in the Agriculture area, protect existing farm and forestry operations from encroachment by incompatible uses, promote further investments in farming, maintain farmer eligibility for incentive programs, and preserve wildlife habitat and open spaces, in other words, to preserve the rural character of these areas. Example Uses: Farmland, scattered open lands, woodlots, agricultural-related uses, cottage industries, mineral extraction operations, and limited low-density, single-family residential development subject to certain requirements. These developments shall be located in order to minimize the fragmentation of productive agricultural or forest land and to minimize any disruption to existing uses. Zoning Recommendations: Land within the Mixed Rural Agriculture areas is regulated by the corresponding jurisdictional Zoning Ordinance depending on location within the county, town, city, or village. The County recommends this land should be zoned R-1, AG-1, AG-2 if under current County zoning regulations consistent with the purpose statement listed above. Large tracts of land under this category are currently zoned R-2. Density: The preferred housing unit density for this area is one unit per 20 or more acres; however local comprehensive plans may be more or less restrictive than this guideline. The preferred density is based on ne unit per 20 acres or greater for eligibility for the Farmland Preservation Program. Agriculture Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Agriculture classification is to preserve productive agricultural lands, protect existing farm & forestry operations from encroachment by incompatible uses, promote further investments in farming, maintain farmer eligibility for incentive programs, and preserve wildlife habitat and open spaces, in other words, to preserve the rural character of these areas. Example Uses: Farmland, scattered open lands, woodlots, agricultural-related uses, cottage industries, mineral extraction operations, and limited low-density, single-family residential development subject to certain requirements. These developments shall be located in order to minimize the fragmentation of productive agricultural or forest land and to minimize any disruption to existing uses. Zoning Recommendations: Land within the Agriculture areas is regulated by the corresponding jurisdictional Zoning Ordinance depending on location within the county, town, city, or village. The County recommends this land should be zoned AG-1, AG-2 if under current County zoning regulations consistent with the purpose statement listed above. Large tracts of land in this category are currently zoned R-1. Density: The preferred housing unit density for this area is a combination of both one unit per 20 acres and one unit per 35 or 40 acres; local comprehensive plans provide direction on how to apply this guideline and where the differing densities should be evalu Land Initiative density of one unit per 20 acres or greater for eligibility for the Farmland Preservation Program. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 57 of 270 Commercial Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Commercial classification is to identify existing scattered commercial developments throughout the County. Most towns delineated limited future commercial areas. The most appropriate commercial uses and locations will be those that are located along major transportation corridors and intersections, sites have available utilities to serve the volume of the commercial use, serve Example Uses: Commercial uses Zoning Recommendations: Land within the Commercial areas is regulated by the corresponding jurisdictional Zoning Ordinance depending on location within the county, town, city, or village. The County recommends this land should be zoned C-1, C-2, C-3 if under current County zoning regulations consistent with the purpose statement listed above. Commercial Nodes Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Commercial Nodes classification is to identify the generalized areas near or along major highways or key intersections that have the potential for commercial and light industrial development in the future. The exact boundaries of these nodes are not set-in-stone and are flexible based on distance to the highway and close proximity to other existing or planned commercial development. Proposed commercial development that are higher impact and not appropriate for the residential and open space areas should be guided to these nodes. These higher impacts could include retail, services, and employers that have extended hours of operation, create higher levels of noise, or have a relatively large amount of hardscape (e.g., buildings, parking), or generate large numbers of vehicle trips, including for shipping or warehousing. With careful planning, senior housing facilities and smaller multi-family housing facilities may be appropriate within the Commercial Nodes close to the Villages, if adequate water and septic can be provided. However, these uses should still be planned, sited, designed, and maintained in a high- quality manner that is compatible with nearby uses and the rural character of the community as discussed within the Economic Development Element policies, Land Use Element policies. Proposed commercial or light industrial uses deemed incompatible may be required to modify their plans or may be directed to nearby incorporated areas. Given the distribution of closed depressions, surface waters, and existing residential subdivisions throughout the community, heavy industries and large commercial ventures should be guided to communities with municipal water or sewer, or to other less populated areas of St. Croix County. For example, heavy industries include facilities such as food processing, heavy equipment manufacturing, petro-chemical plants, facilities that use large amounts water or hazardous materials, salvage yards, solid waste processing, landfills, transfer stations, freight terminals, and large warehousing. Example Uses: Commercial business, retail, services, warehousing, manufacturing. Zoning Recommendations: Land within the area is regulated by the corresponding jurisdictional Zoning Ordinance depending on location within the county, town, city, or village. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 58 of 270 Industrial / Future Industrial Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Industrial / Future Industrial classification is to identify areas suitable for planned industrial development. There are some existing scattered industrial developments throughout the County (mainly quarry sites) and these areas are expected to stay in industrial use with some possible site expansion. Most towns delineated little to no new industrial sites and limited expansion of existing industrial sites. The most appropriate industrial uses and locations will be those that are located along major transportation corridors and intersections, sites have available utilities to serve the volume of the industrial use, and supportive and compatible with agriculture and the natural resources of the area. Example Uses: Industrial uses Zoning Recommendations: Land within the Industrial / Future Industrial areas is regulated by the corresponding jurisdictional Zoning Ordinance depending on location within the county, town, city, or village. The County recommends this land should be zoned I-1, I-2 if under current County zoning regulations consistent with the purpose statement listed above. Recreation Open Space/ Future Open Space Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Recreation Open Space/ Future Open Space classification is identify areas suitable for open space and passive outdoor recreation. The existing open space sites owned by the County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service or Army Corp of Engineers are listed and mapped in the Natural Resources Element of this plan. Future Open Space was identified on individual town plans. These sites were along natural corridors and included shorelands, wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes and scenic areas. In most cases, the towns would not actively pursue acquisition but would encourage public or private ownership that maintained the areas in a natural state available to citizens as part of future development plans. Example Uses: Recreation Open Space, Parks Zoning Recommendations: Land within the Recreation Open Space/ Future Open Space areas is regulated by the corresponding jurisdictional Zoning Ordinance depending on location within the county, town, city, or village. The County recommends this land should be zoned conservation and may include: Riverway, Shoreline, Floodplain overlay zones. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 59 of 270 Primary Environmental Corridor Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Primary Environmental Corridor classification is intended as an overlay feature for educational purposes that influence future land use planning. This category identifies the primary environmental corridors in St. Croix County, that include at least three environmental resources, listed below. Example Uses: Environmental resources, listed below. 1.Lakes 12.Physiographic Features 2.Ponds 13.Highly Erodible Soils 3.Rivers 14.Wet, Poorly Drained Organic Soils 4.Streams 15.Closed Depressions 5.Intermittent Waterways 16.Wellhead Protection Areas 6.Natural Drainageways 17.Woodlands 7.Wetlands 18.Prairie 8.Shorelands 19.Rare or Endangered Species and 9.Floodplains Communities 10.Steep Slopes 20.Historical and Archeological Sites 11.Geologic Formations 21.Scenic Areas Zoning Recommendations: Land within the Primary Environmental Corridors is regulated by the County Zoning Ordinance depending on the type and intensity of the environmental resource. Primary Environmental Corridors overlay the underlying future land use classification. Future Land Use Plan Amendments When considering a specific proposed land use amendment or zoning change it will be necessary to consult the local plans that apply. Land use changes shall consider the most logical development based on the goals and policies of this Plan, local community plans, existing transportation corridors and capacity, existing water and sewer systems and capacity, environmental constraints, proximity to existing development, adjacent land uses, and the ability to provide future services. All of the Towns and municipalities, except the Village of Wilson and the towns of Glenwood and Springfield, have completed their own comprehensive plans. The St. Croix County Future Land Use Plan incorporates the future land use policies developed and approved by local communities. While this Plan provides policies applicable for each future land use classification, local plans might have slight policy variations for the same classification. The County does not have zoning or subdivision authority within incorporated jurisdictions, so those areas have not been assigned a future land use designation in the St. Croix County Future Land Use Map. While this Plan includes goals, objectives, and policies aimed at influencing land use decisions in cities and villages within the County, specific future land use policies are not identified. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 60 of 270 Goals & Objectives Goal 1: Protect the rural character of St. Croix County. Objectives: 1.1Provide adequate green space throughout the county and in individual developments. 1.2Promote conservation design developments to conserve natural resources and open spaces. 1.3Maintain and promote the viability of agriculture in the county. Encourage compact development through expansion and infill of existing developed areas. 1.4Foster private land stewardship of individual properties and development by landowners, developers, and property managers. 1.5Protect property values by avoiding visual pollution caused by poor design or management of land, buildings, and structures. Goal 2: Balance land use regulation and individual property rights with community interests. Objectives: 2.1Conduct all county planning activities with a fair and open process that provides opportunities for input from all county residents and property owners. 2.2Develop land use regulations that have clear and equitable provisions designed to implement the public interest goals of this plan. 2.3Administer land use regulations with a fair, open, consistent and equitable process that is open to all affected parties and respects the due process rights of property owners. Goal 3: Guide and manage development patterns that will preserve farmland and protect and enhance Objectives: 3.1Guide development to locations and conditions that minimize adverse impacts to natural resources and agriculture. 3.2Provide a balance of land use types throughout the county. 3.3Locate industrial and commercial development only where suitable physical conditions exist and appropriate facilities and services are available. 3.4Continue to develop planning regulations and ordinances that address the diversity of community needs throughout the county. 3.5Update and keep county ordinances current with revisions in state law, to address changing needs of residents and respond to concerns of local government. 3.6Mitigate any potential negative impacts from development on the natural, cultural, and historic resources in the St. Croix River Watershed which covers 71% of the county. 3.7Continue to cooperate with local communities to respect the adopted municipal plans and quide coordinated development throughout the county. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 61 of 270 Policies - Rural Character 1.1.The county will encourage conservation site design subdivisions that retain at least 40 to 65 percent of the subdivision in permanent open space, through partnerships with developers, surveyors, and outreach with towns and communities in the county. 1.2.The county will use market incentives, such as density bonuses, to encourage conservation site design. 1.3.Conservation site design residential developments shall be designed to be compatible with the rural character and environmental features of the area and identify the management of the wastewater system. 1.4.Residential clusters used in conservation site design shall be located in areas, to the greatest extent practical, visually screened from surrounding roadways and other residential clusters, so that existing open space vistas within and outside the site are maximized. These residential clusters shall be carefully adjusted to topographic and other natural and cultural features, taking full advantage of the setting of those features without causing undue disturbance. 1.5.The county will continue to have, and update as needed, conservation site design standards through appropriate provisions in zoning, land division, sanitary and storm water management ordinances. 1.6.The county will promote the protection and expansion of outdoor recreation and off road trail opportunities. Land Use Regulations 2.1.The county will recognize transfer of development rights (TDR) programs to encourage the preservation of open space and productive farmland. 2.2.The county will provide technical support and expertise, especially geographic analysis of social, economic and physical features, to encourage and facilitate the development of local plans. 2.3.The County will revise its nonmetallic mining regulations to separate countywide reclamation standards into a separate ordinance applicable countywide as required by state statutes. 2.4.The County will continue to evaluate land use regulations in response to changing land uses, industry practices, and statutory changes. Guide & Manage Development Patterns 3.1.The County will develop design standards that enhance the visual and functional quality of development. 3.2.Residential development in major subdivisions should be buffered from nearby agricultural or non-metallic mineral extraction lands to minimize conflicts between farming or mining and residential uses, and protect groundwater quality. 3.3.Development in the county shall be consistent with the character of the surrounding neighborhood, countryside or terrain. 3.4.The county will continue to identify and update protection strategies for environmental corridors and environmentally sensitive natural resource areas. 3.5.Collaborate with cities, villages and towns on common land use and planning issues. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 62 of 270 A GRICULTURE F ARMLAND P RESERVATION P LAN St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 63 of 270 Agricultural Vision The farms and agricultural enterprises operate efficiently and effectively, and the farmers are particularly important to its residents. The County works to maintain farming as a viable land use on productive agricultural land with the best soil and conditions for the highest agricultural production. The County recognizes that agricultural land is not undeveloped land waiting for other uses, but is a valuable and productive resource that supports a healthy agricultural variety of economic and land use techniques. Introduction Agriculture is an important element of the social and economic characteristics of St. Croix County. Several agricultural factors contribute to the discussion of agricultural resources and farmland preservation including local farming practices, effects on ground water quality, rural landscape, impacts on neighboring properties, and economic impacts. This chapter provides an inventory of county agricultural data from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Census and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Ag Statistics to compare the agricultural trends over time. Agriculture Issues and Opportunities The following summary of county agriculture trends were gathered from the USDA Ag Census with detailed county data graphs and tables in this chapter. The agricultural data below identifies both issues and opportunities that the County reviewed through this plan update. 1.Total agricultural sales increased more than $34 million from 2007 to 2017 2. agricultural products and the total value of crops 3.Farmland Acres Decreasing since 1978 (365,832) to 2017 (279,191) 4.Number of Farms - Steady decline in the number of farms since 2002 (1,863) to 2017 (1,444) 5.Farm Size - Number of farms over 1,000 acres has steadily increased since 2002 while the number of farms from 50-999 acres have steadily declined since 2002 6.Livestock operation numbers decreasing since 1978 (454) to 2017 (271) 7.Number of dairy operations have decreased since 1978 (734) to 2017 (126) Farmland Preservation Plan Statutory Requirements This chapter is intended to fulfill the statutory requirements for both the farmland preservation plan, Chapter 91, Subchapter II, WI Statutes, and the agricultural element of the comprehensive plan, §66.1001(2), WI Statutes. It will explore the trends and future expectations of agriculture, the balance between growth and agriculture, and, to insure state certification of the farmland preservation plan, will address the requirements on the next page. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 64 of 270 WI SS 91.10 Farmland Preservation Plan Required Contents 1. the development of enterprises related to agriculture. 2.Identifies, describes, and documents other development trends, plans, or needs, that may affect farmland preservation and agricultural development in the county, including trends, plans, or needs related to population and economic growth, housing, transportation, utilities, communications, business development, community facilities and services, energy, waste management, municipal expansion, and environmental preservation (See chapter references below). 3.Identifies, describes, and documents all of the following: a.Agricultural uses of land in the county at the time that the farmland preservation plan is adopted, including key agricultural specialties, if any. b.Key agricultural resources, including available land, soil, and water resources. c.Key infrastructure for agriculture, including key processing, storage, transportation, and supply facilities. d.Significant trends in the county related to agricultural land use, agricultural production, enterprises related to agriculture, and the conversion of agricultural lands to other uses. e.Anticipated changes in the nature, scope, location, and focus of agricultural production, processing, supply, and distribution. f.Goals for agricultural development in the county, including goals related to the development of enterprises related to agriculture. g.Actions that the county will take to preserve farmland and to promote agricultural development. Policies, goals, strategies, and proposed actions to increase housing density in areas that are not identified under par d. h.Key land use issues related to preserving farmland and to promoting agricultural development and plans for addressing those issues. 4.If the county has a comprehensive plan, the county shall include the farmland preservation plan in its comprehensive plan and shall ensure that the farmland preservation plan is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The county may incorporate information contained in other parts of the related to: farmland preservation; and agricultural development, including development of enterprises related to agriculture; 5.Identification of farmland preservation areas; and 6. Required Farmland Preservation Plan TopicReference Chapter in this Comprehensive Plan Population Introduction Economic Growth Economic Development Housing Housing Transportation Transportation Utilities Utilities and Community Facilities Communications Utilities and Community Facilities Business Development Economic Development Community Facilities and Services Utilities and Community Facilities Energy Utilities and Community Facilities Waste Management Utilities and Community Facilities Municipal Expansion Utilities and Community Facilities Environmental Preservation Natural Resources St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 65 of 270 Wisconsin Agriculture St. Croix County is within the Wisconsin West Central Agricultural District shown in the map below. The Department of Agriculture, provided the 2021 edition of Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics. It states that aintained its position as the number one state in American cheese, cheddar cheese and total cheese production, dry whey for human consumption, milk goat inventory, mink pelts produced, corn harvested for silage, snap beans, and cranberry production. Wisconsin cows produced 14 percent of St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 66 of 270 WI Farmland Preservation Program Wisconsin's Farmland Preservation Program helps farmers and local governments preserve farmland, protect soil and water, and minimize land use conflicts. The County, Towns and landowners work together to inventory farmland preservation and Agricultural Enterprise Areas. The program also offers landowners that meet soil and water conservation standards the opportunity to become eligible to claim an income tax credit. WI Department of Agriculture Program Links Farmland Preservation Agreements, Benefits and Application Farmland Preservation Tax Credits, Eligibility and Tax Credit Tiers Petitioning for Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) Designation Farmland Preservation Planning To participate, a landowner must own land that is located in the County farmland preservation area zoning district or is covered by a farmland 3 preservation agreement (or both). Much of St. Croix County is within the farmland preservation area shown in light green on the map. St. Croix County Farmland Preservation program staff administers and implements the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture (WI DOA) farmland preservation requirements and programs. WI DOA reported that statewide program participation over the past several years, has decreased from 15,700 and 2.9 million acres in 2010, to under 12,000 participants and 2.3 million acres in 2017. The 2018 Farmland Preservation Program Landowner Survey Report revealed the top factors contributing to the decline in parti 15 years, 2) Tax credit is not high enough, 3) 15-year term is too long, 4) Penalty for removing land is too high, and 5) Application is too complicated. In response to the program issues identified above, WI Act 42 legislation was passed to improve and modernize the Farmland Preservation Program in the hopes goal to increase participation. The new legislation was passed in November 2023 and generally included: Decreased the minimum term of a farmland preservation agreement from 15 years to 10 years, increased the amounts of the tax credits, and expands eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits to land that is subject to an agricultural conservation easement. 3 A farmland preservation zoning district is a locally administered zoning district that limits the activities on the land to agriculture and uses compatible with agriculture. A farmland preservation agreement is a voluntary contract that a landowner signs with the state, restricting land uses to agricultural and open space for 15 years. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 67 of 270 Historic Farmland Preservation In 1980 the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors adopted a Farmland Preservation Plan. The Plan was intended to guide development away from the most valuable agricultural resources in the County. The plan was written with extensive input from citizens and local officials, especially towns. The Farmland Preservation plan identified several tools for farmland protection. The only tool that was implemented was exclusive agriculture zoning. The other tools, identifying growth areas and setting development density in conjunction with smaller lot sizes, were not implemented. The plan was developed between 1978 and 1980 as a result of development pressures that had been accelerating since 1975. A Farmland Planning Advisory Committee was formed in September 1977. This committee met monthly for two years to apply for a grant, and develop the farmland preservation plan. Prior to 1974, St. Croix County ordinances required public sewer and water for all lots between one and five acres in size. In 1974, the County enacted a new set of ordinances that allowed one acre unsewered lots and set distinct requirements for minor and major subdivisions. As a result of these changes rural residential lot creation rose dramatically between 1975 and 1979. As a result, many towns took several steps to slow residential development. The towns of Baldwin, Cylon, Kinnickinnic, Stanton and Warren adopted subdivision ordinances prohibiting major subdivisions unless they were located on municipal sewer and water. The towns of Cylon, Stanton, Baldwin, and Pleasant Valley also adopted larger lot size provisions in subdivision ordinances. Finally, the towns of Cylon, Stanton, Star Prairie, Somerset, St. Joseph, Erin Prairie, Baldwin, Troy, Pleasant Valley, Rush River and Eau Galle implemented exclusive agricultural zoning, in conjunction with the County. In one case, the adoption of exclusive agriculture zoning occurred even before the Farmland Preservation Plan was adopted by St. Croix County. Historically there has been some confusion about the difference between exclusive agricultural zoning, farmland preservation contracts and the income tax incentive associated with each. The farmland preservation contracts are a contract between the farmer or landowner and the state, in return for agreeing not to develop his land the owner gets tax rebates based on a formula. The tax rebates are increased if a farmland preservation plan is adopted and certified by the state. The farmland preservation plan was certified by the state for most of the towns in St. Croix County. Exclusive agriculture zoning was also based on the farmland preservation plan, and was adopted by ordinance enacted by both a town and the county. Adoption of exclusive agriculture zoning increased the farmland preservation tax credits to the maximum possible with a state certified plan. Since its adoption there were numerous problems identified with the original farmland preservation program. In response to the issues, Wisconsin Working Lands Program was passed as a -2011 biennial budget process. The goals of the program were to achieve preservation of areas significant for current and future agricultural uses through successful program, establish agricultural enterprise areas (AEAs), and develop a purchase of agricultural conservation easement matching grant program (PACE). WI Working Lands was the impetus for the 2012 Farmland Preservation Plan development. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 68 of 270 County Farmland Preservation Area (LESA) System and future land use designation of local comprehensive plans. The process to designate these areas and develop a map is described in the next sections beginning with the LESA system. Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) In 1981, USDA NRCS developed a system for evaluating and ranking agricultural lands, Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA), which uses detailed considerations of soil capability and potential yields, and provides for the assessment of factors beyond soil productivity in the determination of agricultural potential. The system is now widely used throughout the U.S. In 2002 St. Croix County developed a LESA system with assistance from USDA NRCS to meet the local soil conditions and site assessment concerns in St. Croix County. It was further refined in 2011 to identify farmland preservation areas. The LESA system provides a rational, consistent, sound basis for making land use decisions. The LESA system is a point-based approach that is used for rating the relative value of agricultural land resources. A given LESA model is created by defining and measuring two separate sets of factors, Land Evaluation (LE), and Site Assessment (SA). LE measures soil factors as they relate to agriculture. SA includes factors that are intended to measure social, economic, and geographic attributes that also contribute to the overall value of agricultural land. Overall the final LESA map follows the patterns laid out in the LE and SA maps below; the more productive soils have been less impacted or encroached on by development pressure because of their greater value for farming. Two components, Land Evaluation (LE) and Site Assessment (SA) are each 50% of the composite score Higher Composite Scores (118 and above) = light and dark green (best sites for farmland preservation) Lower composite scores (117 and below) = yellow and orange (poorer sites for farmland preservation) St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 69 of 270 The LE is based on soils and their characteristics; it reflects soil productivity and the economic and environmental cost of producing a crop. The LE was refined to meet county soil conditions. Three soil property indexes are combined to produce the LE rating: Prime Farmland, weighted at 10% of the total, Land Capability Class, weighted at 30% of the total, and Productivity for corn and alfalfa, weighted at 60% of the total. The possible ratings for all soils in the county range from 0 to 100 points, higher ratings have a greater value for agriculture. The SA measures non-soil characteristics and development pressure based on adopted plans and policies and other social, economic and geographical attributes. The St. Croix County SA rating is based on 10 factors that are specifically of concern in the county, worth a maximum of 10 points each. None are weighted. The two Future Land Use Policy factors are based on local comprehensive plans. The possible SA ratings range from 0 to 100 points; higher ratings have a greater value for agriculture. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 70 of 270 Future Land Use The St. Croix County Future Land Use Map depicts the desired pattern of land use and establishes the comparison to Town comprehensive plan future land use maps. Future land use classifications differ from one jurisdiction to another; therefore, the County plan and map utilizes a set of generalized future land use classifications to simplify local land use plans into a Countywide pattern. In a review of the future land use narratives of the locally adopted plans, it was determined that two future land use categories, Agriculture and Mixed Rural Agriculture, are not planned for development for the next 15 years. All other future land use categories were generally excluded from the Farmland Preservation Area map except for the northwest and southeast corners of the Town of Erin Prairie. The Town plan identifies the two corners as agriculture and natural area with a development timeframe longer than 15 years where a transfer of development rights program could be explored. The town requested that the areas be included in the farmland preservation plan. Communities with the more productive soils and less development pressure have identified agriculture as an important future land use. This is especially true in the central and eastern areas of the county. Communities most impacted by development, in the western end of the county, have designed their future land uses as a combination of rural residential and agriculture. Farmland Preservation Areas The Farmland Preservation Plan Map below combines data from the LESA system map and the St. Croix County Future Land Use map. Only sites in a shade of green on both maps are identified as Farmland Preservation Areas. The distribution of farmland preservation areas clearly shows the results of combining both the LESA and Future Land Use data. The resultant Farmland Preservation Areas map excludes those areas of the county where development is expected and includes those areas with a commitment to agriculture. It follows the historic development pattern while preserving the most productive soils in communities that have determined agriculture and farming will be an important part of their future. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 71 of 270 The following map shows participating and eligible areas for St. Croix County farmland preservation program. Property highlighted with crosshatch and color are eligible for various program levels including general farmland preservation program, agricultural enterprise areas, and the WI income tax credit program. As stated above, in November 2023 WI Act 42 legislation was passed to improve and modernize the Farmland Preservation Program in the hopes to increase participation. The new legislation generally included the following improvements. Decreased the minimum term of a farmland preservation agreement from 15 years to 10 years, Increased the amounts of the tax credits, and Expanded eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits to land that is subject to an agricultural conservation easement. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 73 of 270 Agriculture Conditions & Trends The following agriculture conditions and trends were mostly gathered from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) survey. National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) division conducts hundreds of surveys each year on issues including agricultural production, economics, demographics and the environment. Every five years NASS also conducts the Census of Agriculture, providing the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land - whether rural or urban - growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity. At the time of this plan update the most recent Census of Agriculture was conducted in 2017 and survey results were published in April 2019. Census of Agriculture History The 2017 Census of Agriculture is the 29th Federal census of agriculture and the fifth conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census conducted the census of agriculture for 156 years (1840- 1996). The 1997 Appropriations Act contained a provision that transferred the responsibility for the census of agriculture to NASS. The history of collecting data on U.S. agriculture dates back as far as President George Washington, who kept meticulous statistical records describing his own and other farms. In 1791, President Washington wrote to farmers requesting information on land values, crop acreages, crop yields, livestock prices, and taxes. Washington compiled the results on an area extending roughly 250 miles from north to south and 100 miles from east to west which today lies in Maryland, population liv data for a nation that was heavily reliant on the success of agriculture. Such informal inquiries worked while the Nation was young, but were insufficient as the country expanded. of population. As the country expanded and agriculture evolved, the decade between censuses became too long an interval to capture the changes in agricultural production. After the 1920 census, the census interval was changed to every five years resulting in a separate, mid-decade census of agriculture that was conducted in 1925, 1935, and 1945. The agriculture census continued as part of the decennial census through 1950. From 1954 to 1974, the census was taken for the years ending in 4 and 9. In 1976, Congress authorized the census of agriculture for 1978 and 1982 to adjust the data reference year so it coincided with other economic censuses. This adjustment in timing established the census of agriculture on a 5-year cycle collecting data for years ending in 2 and 7. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 74 of 270 Agricultural Sales The graph and table below show the number of operations within each value of farm sales in St. Croix County. From 1978 2002, the percentage of farms with less than $5,000 in sales steadily increased (25% - 58%), with a slight decrease from 2002 2017 (58% - 46%). From 1978 2017, the percentage of farms with $50,000- $99,999 in sales generally decreased (27% - 8%). From 1978 2017, the percentage of farms with $500,000 or more in sales increased (0% - 6%). These trends correspond to the decrease in smaller acreage farms. St. Croix County Percent of Farms by Val u e of Sales 19781982198719921997200220122017 $0 to $4,999 25%26%25%27%41%58%44%46% $5000 to $9,999 12%10%11%11%9%7%7%8% $10,000 to $24,999 13%10%14%14%13%11%13%12% $25,000 to $49,999 15%11%13%10%9%6%7%6% $50,000 to $99,999 27%27%19%16%11%6%9%8% $100,000 to $249,999 7%13%17%18%12%7%9%8% $250,000 to $499,999 1%2%2%4%4%3%5%5% $500,000 or more 0%0%1%1%1%1%6%6% TOTAL1,7341,7411,5761,3911,5201,8641,4171,444 Source: U.S. Census of Agriculture 1978-2017 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 75 of 270 The table and graphs below show agricultural sales for St. Croix County and surrounding counties (Dunn, Pierce, and Polk). According to the U.S Census of Agriculture, all counties experienced increased sales between 2007 and 2017. St. Croix County farmers sold more than $177 million worth of agricultural products in 2017, with 56% percent of this value in livestock, poultry and related products and 44% in crop sales. The share of crop sales as a percent of the total sales increased in all 4 counties The co agriculture based economy is strong and growing as total sales increased more than $34 million from 2007 to 2017. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 76 of 270 The table and graphs below show St. Croix County agricultural sales rank within state of Wisconsin (72 most recent USDA Census of Agriculture, St. Croix County was ranked #27 in WI in 2017, improved from #31 in 2007 in total value of all ag products. St. Croix County was ranked #564 in the US in 2017, improved otal value of in the state of Wisconsin and the nation in the total value of all agricultural products and the total value of crops. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 77 of 270 The secondary economic impacts of agriculture are also significant in St. Croix County. Agriculture provides jobs for farm owners and managers, employees, veterinarians, crop and livestock consultants, feed, fuel and other crop input supplies, machinery dealers, barn builders, agricultural lenders and other professionals in the food processing and other value added industries. Agriculture accounts for millions in business sales from direct agricultural sales of products, sales of inputs, services and equipment and earnings spent. Agriculture pays millions in sales, property and income taxes. The following table and graph show the sales, expenses, labor and government payments for St. Croix County agriculture producers from 1987-2017 Ag Census data. Total sales in the county have consistently increased since 1987, with one slight exception in 1997. The same trend is revealed in total farm production expenses. The data reveals that both hired farm labor number of operations, and the number of workers, have generally decreased since 1992. Farm labor wages have consistently increased from 1992-2017. Source: US Census of Agriculture, Farms with sales Greater than $10,000 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 78 of 270 Farms The graph and table below show the number and size of farm operations in St. Croix County from 1978- 2017. The data shows the steady decline in the number of farms since 2002. The number of farms over 1,000 acres has steadily increased since 1978 while the number of farms less than 1,000 acres have steadily declined since 1978, with a brief exception from 1997-2007. The following graph shows the number of farms in 2 size categories including less than 1,000 acres and more than 1,000 acres. St. Croix County Size & Number of Farms Acres197819821987199219972002200720122017 1.0 TO 9.9 ACRES5488646647100629799 10.0 TO 49.9 ACRES225277247218316566583455501 50 TO 179 ACRES631615565480585731739500472 180 TO 499 ACRES701641571496460348312251248 500 TO 999 ACRES106991071098282737278 1,000 OR MORE ACRES172122223036394246 Total173417411576139115201,8631,8081,4171,444 St. Croix County Size & Number of Farms Acres197819821987199219972002200720122017 1.0 TO 999.9 ACRES 1,717 1,554 1,369 1,490 1,827 1,769 1,375 1,398 1,000 OR MORE ACRES 17 21 22 22 3036394246 Total1,734 1,741 1,576 1,391 1,520 1,8631,8081,4171,444 Source: 1978-2002 from 2006 Heartland Plan, 2007-2017 USDA Ag Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 79 of 270 The graph and table below show an area county comparison of the number farm operations in St. Croix, Polk, Pierce, and Dunn counties from 1987-2017. The data shows a fluctuation in the number of farms since 1987. The number of farms has decreased areawide and in each county from 1987-2017, with an exception of increase from 1997-2007. Area County Compare - Number of Farms County1987199219972002200720122017 Dunn 1,501 1,690 1,654 1,655 1,404 1,288 Pierce 1,215 1,216 1,502 1,519 1,259 1,229 Polk 1,487 1,625 1,620 1,583 1,313 1,313 St. Croix 1,576 1,391 1,520 1,8631,8081,4171,444 Source: 2006 Heartland Plan, USDA Ag Census, 2012 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 80 of 270 St. Croix County and the surrounding region has experienced a decrease in the number of dairy operations since 1987. The number of dairy farms in the 4-County region has consistently decreased from 2,783 in 1987 to 516 in 2017. St. Croix County had 671 dairy farms in 1987 and 143 in 2017, an over 300% percent decrease. As shown in the graph and table below, St. Croix County and neighboring counties Dunn, Pierce, and Polk have experienced decreased numbers of dairy farms over the past 30 years. Area County Compare - Dairy Number of Operations (Cattle, Cows, Milk) County1987199219972002200720122017 Dunn 899 675 499 310 260 199 129 Pierce 510 485 350 250 199 175 116 Polk 699 525 370 225 190 154 128 St. Croix 671 540 325 240201167143 Total 2,779 1,544 1,025 850 695 516 Source: 2012, 2017 USDA Ag Census, 2012 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 81 of 270 The County and region have experienced a decrease in the total number of cows since 1985. As seen in the graph and table below, the number of cows has decreased in St. Croix County since 1985. The most recent decrease between 2009 and 2021 was -4,100 cows. This trend is not specific to St. Croix County as surrounding counties (Dunn, Pierce, and Polk) have also experienced losses that have tapered off in the past few decades. The trend of milk production has somewhat followed the trend in the number of cows, with reductions from 1985 to 2003, and some increases in recent decades, as shown in the graph and table below. St. Croix County has been a high-ranking milk producer in the region since 1985, and in 2009 was comparable to Dunn County in milk production, the historical leader. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 82 of 270 to 2021. Source: U.S. Census of Agriculture and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. This is a result of industry changes including diet, genetics and management. These changes in the dairy industry are strongly influenced by federal policies, higher grain prices and economies of scale. this same timeframe, 1987 to 2009, the County has continued to be a regional leader in dairy production and farm income and agricultural sales. The graph below shows a county comparison of milk production per cow (lbs.) in 2021. According to Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, St. Croix County was the leader in milk production per cow (lbs.) in 2021. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 83 of 270 The following graph and table show the number of acres of specific crops in St. Croix County in 1970, 1990, 2002, and 2017. According to the USDA 2017 Ag Census, the number of acres of harvested corn grain have decreased by 5753 from 2002-2017, the number of acres of oats have decreased by 10,574 from 2002- 2017, the number of acres of barley have decreased by 947 from 2002-2017, the number of acres of soybeans have increased by 26,080 from 2002-2017, and the number of acres of hay have decreased by 17,789 from 2002-2017. St. Croix County Crop Acres Crop Type1970Change1990Change2002Change2017 Corn51,80033,00084,8001,20086,000-5,75380,247 Oats47,000-17,90029,100-16,50012,600-10,5742,026 Barley8508501,700-7001,000-94753 Soybeans2,60013,70016,30014,70031,00026,08057,080 Hay79,300-14,60064,700-7,40057,300-17,78939,511 Source: 1970, 1990, 2002 from 2006 Heartland Plan, 2017 USDA Ag Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 84 of 270 In addition to looking at the total number of acres of farmland, another important aspect of total crops in the County is the yield generated. The average corn and soybean yield is shown in the graphs below. Since 1970, the average yield per acre has increased, as a result of advances in crop genetics, better farm management and improved planting, production and harvesting technology. Source: U.S. Census of Agriculture and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection County estimates. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 85 of 270 The following graph and tables show the number of different types of farms in St. Croix County. The Ag Census types have changed over time. The 2017 Ag Census utilized detailed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes shown in the bottom table. To compare the data and identify trends, the 2017 categories were combined into the types from 1978-2002, as shown in the top table and graph. The data reveals that the number of crop farms have increased since 1978 and the number of dairy farms has decreased since 1978. St. Croix County Combined Farm Types and Number of Farms 1978198219871992199720022017 Livestock (Beef cattle ranching and farming -112111, Cattle feedlots (112112)454498422397392398271 Dairy (Dairy cattle and milk production -11212) 734762630511338228126 Other Animal & Poultry (Hog and pig farming (1122) ,Poultry and egg production (1123) Sheep and goat farming (1124) 848688103101216202 Cash Grains (Oilseed and grain farming (1111)264231226182489280385 Field Crops (other than cash grains) (Vegetable and melon farming (1112) , Fruit and tree nut farming (1113), Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production (1114), Aquaculture and other animal production (1125, 1129)968312511514766485 Other Crop Other crop farming (1119) (Tobacco, Cotton, Sugarcane farming, hay farming, and all other crop farming)1028185835378375 TOTAL 1,7341,7411,5761,3911,5201,8641444 Source: U.S. Census of Agriculture, 1978 - 2017 USDA 2017 Ag Census Farm Type Oilseed and grain farming (1111)385 Vegetable and melon farming (1112) 11 Fruit and tree nut farming (1113)29 Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production (1114)45 Other crop farming (1119) (Tobacco, Cotton, Sugarcane farming, hay farming, and all other crop farming)375 Beef cattle ranching and farming (112111) 258 Cattle feedlots (112112)13 Dairy cattle and milk production (11212) 126 Hog and pig farming (1122) 12 Poultry and egg production (1123) 22 Sheep and goat farming (1124) 32 Aquaculture and other animal production (1125, 1129)136 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 86 of 270 SCC Farm Income/Expenses The graph and table below show average farm income and expenses in St. Croix County. The USDA Ag Census data reported a fluctuation in farm income from 1978-2017. Farm expenses have fluctuated since 1987. St. Croix County Farm Average Reported198719921997200220122017 Average Income $56,625$67,295$60,267$52,502$117,515$102,479 Average Expense $44,105$56,786$49,059$45,695$60,975$51,917 U.S. Census of Agriculture, 1987 - 2017 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 87 of 270 The graph and table below show farm operator characteristics in St. Croix County. The data shows that the number of years on the present farm have steadily increased. There has been a steady increase in the 4 number of female primary operators since 1978. St. Croix County Farm Operator Characteristics 1978198219871992199720022017 Individual/Family Farms 1,5371,5051,3461,1931,3411,6721,372 Average Years on Present Farm 16161921222124.3 Male Operators 1,6891,6821,5281,3171,3861,6431,548 Female Operators 45594874134221877 Source: U.S. Census of Agriculture, 1978 - 2017 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 88 of 270 Direct Market Farms Another trend occurring in St. Croix County and neighboring counties since 2000 is the increase in the number of farms marketing agricultural products directly to consumers. Producers are promoting the lthier food alternatives. This trend has support from the University of Wisconsin Extension and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection with education and information provided to producers interested in trying direct farm marketing. The proximity of St. Croix County and neighboring counties, Dunn, Pierce and Polk, to the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area population base has also supported this trend. The graph and table below show an area county comparison of the direct market sales in St. Croix, Polk, Pierce, and Dunn counties from 2002-2017. The data shows an increase in total sales in the 4-County region since 2002, with a slight decrease from 2007 to 2012. Products include, but are not limited to, farms in the County increased from 112 to 115 farms from 2002 to 2017. These farms are producing food for the local/regional food market and selling large quantities to grocery stores and restaurants. Area County Compare - Direct Market Sales County2002200720122017 Dunn$ 4 45,000$ 8 90,000$ 7 32,000$ 6 68,000 Pierce$ 4 30,000$ 7 20,000$ 7 62,000$ 1,223,000 Polk$ 2 10,000$ 7 10,000$ 8 94,000$ 1,538,000 St. Croix $ 2 99,000$ 7 99,000$ 6 60,000$ 7 21,000 Total$ 1 ,384,000$ 3 ,119,000$ 3 ,048,000$ 4 ,150,000 St. Croix County Direct Market Number of Farm Operations St. Croix 112 136 122 115 Source: 2012, 2017 USDA Ag Census, and 2012 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 89 of 270 Organic Farms According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2021 th Organic farm survey, Wisconsin ranked 4 in the nation, having 245,000 certified organic acres. Organic farming is an agricultural system that uses ecologically based pest controls and biological fertilizers instead of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in conventional agriculture. U.S. farms and ranches sold $11.2 billion in certified organic commodities in 2021, up 13% from $9.9 billion in 2019. Of 2021 sales, 54% was for crops ($6.1 billion), and 46% was for livestock, poultry, and related products ($5.1 billion). Between 2019 and 2021, the number of certified organic farms with organic production in the country increased 5% to 17,445. The number of certified organic farms increased in the state of Wisconsin from 1,222 in 2007 to 1,455 in 2021. Wisconsin was ranked second in the nation in 2021 for number of organic farms, following California (3,061), Wisconsin (1,455), and above New York (1,407) and Pennsylvania (1,125). St. Croix County organic agriculture is growing. The number of total organic operations and operations with sales grew from 2012 to 2017 in the county. Organic sales in St. Croix County more than doubled from $1,421,000 in 2012 to $3,661,000 in 2017. The table below shows agriculture census comparison data from 2012-2017. St. Croix County Organic Agriculture20122017 COMMODITY TOTALS, ORGANIC - OPERATIONS WITH SALES ORGANIC STATUS: (NOP USDA CERTIFIED & EXEMPT) AND SALES: (LESS THAN 5,000 $)65 ORGANIC STATUS: (NOP USDA CERTIFIED & EXEMPT) AND SALES: (5,000 OR MORE $)1215 Total1820 COMMODITY TOTALS, ORGANIC - SALES, MEASURED IN $ ORGANIC STATUS: (NOP USDA CERTIFIED & EXEMPT) AND SALES: (LESS THAN 5,000 $)9,0003,000 ORGANIC STATUS: (NOP USDA CERTIFIED & EXEMPT) AND SALES: (5,000 OR MORE $)1,412,0003,658,000 Total1,421,0003,661,000 FARM OPERATIONS, ORGANIC - NUMBER OF OPERATIONS ORGANIC STATUS: (NOP USDA CERTIFIED)1616 ORGANIC STATUS: (NOP USDA EXEMPT)36 Total1922 Source: USDA NASS St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 90 of 270 Agricultural Infrastructure & Agribusiness The following table shows agricultural infrastructure and support businesses and services for agriculture in St. Croix County. In recent years, agricultural storage facilities have been shifting to privately-owned, on-farm or regional facilities that are not located within St. Croix County. As the size of farms increases this is expected to continue. The figure below shows the increasing number of bushels of grain being stored onsite, even when the number of farms doing so decreased between 2002 and 2007. 458376 farmsfarms 469 423 445421 farms farms farmsfarms 322 354 farms farms St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 91 of 270 The graph and table below show the area comparison of total number of irrigation operations (AG LAND, IRRIGATED NUMBER OF OPERATIONS) in St. Croix, Polk, Pierce and Dunn counties. According to the data, the number of ag land irrigated operations has consistently increased since 2002 in the 4-county region. Area County Compare - AG LAND, IRRIGATED - NUMBER OF OPERATIONS County2002200720122017 Dunn 61 61 73 92 Pierce 29 42 33 41 Polk 28 39 56 62 St. Croix 46616168 Total 164 203 223 263 Source: 2012, 2017 USDA Ag Census, 2012 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 92 of 270 Agriculture Plans and Programs Federal Programs 1.U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Federal farm conservation 2.USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 3.USDA Landscape Conservation Initiatives State Programs 4.Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) Program 5.Wisconsin Working Lands Program - Working Lands for Wildlife - Wisconsin 6.Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program Wis. Stats. §91 WI Farmland Preservation Program 7.Farmland Use Value Assessment WI Department of Revenue 8.State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Livestock Facility Siting Ordinances Wis. Stats. §93.90 & ATCP 51 and SCC Chapter 15 Regional and Local Programs 9.University of Wisconsin-Extension UW-Extension support in agribusiness, land use and soil management 10.St. Croix County Rural Living Guide 11.St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan including Farmland Preservation Plan 12.St. Croix County Nutrient Management Program (land-spreading primarily regulated by WDNR) 13.St. Croix County Farmland Preservation Survey - In May 2021 the UWRF Survey Research Center released a report of the St. Croix County Farmland Preservation Survey 14.Zoning & Land Division Ordinances a.Agricultural zoning districts b.Wetland or resource conservancy districts c.Mineral reservation d.Shoreland or floodplain overlay districts e.Conservation subdivision design and other performance standards f.Livestock Facility Siting Ordinances g.Manure Storage & Management Ordinance h.St. Croix County controls erosion issues through its Chapter 15 Zoning Ordinance 15.County Land & Water Resource Management Plans 16.Land Trust Organizations - land trust organization works with landowners, other conservation organizations and government agencies to protect natural areas, wildlife habitat, working forests, agricultural lands, cultural sites, or other unique areas. a.Kinnickinnic River Land Trust b.Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust c.West Wisconsin Land Trust 17.Farmland Preservation Agreements St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 93 of 270 County 2021 Farmland Preservation Plan Survey In the Spring of 2021, the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the University of Wisconsin at River Falls replicated Two populations were included in the study landowners with 40 acres or more and agribusinesses operating in the County. There are an estimated 2,348 landowners in St. Croix County who own at least 40 acres and are within the Farmland Preservation Plan area. The SRC randomly selected 994 of these landowners to receive a questionnaire. Sixty-seven agribusinesses received the questionnaire as well. A total of 359 landowners completed the survey, as did 17 agribusiness employees. Based on the total number of landowners with at least 40 acres in St. Croix County, the 359 completed surveys should produce estimates accurate to within +/-4.8% with 95% confidence for that population. Not knowing the total number of agribusinesses operating in St. Croix County, we cannot provide a similar calculation for that population. Report Figure 9: Farm Income. Nearly two-thirds of the 2021 respondents said income from farming accounted for up to 25% (64% of the respondents) of their annual household income in 2020. Only 13% said farming accounted for more than three-quarters of their annual household income in 2020. Given the age of respondents, many would likely be receiving social security or other retirement income. It appears, however, that many other respondents have off-farm employment. Report Figure 11 indicates that a majority of 2021 respondents agreed or groundwater in St. Croix county is groundwater in St. Croix county is good er parcels are making farming more quality of surface water in St. Croix County is good (58%). St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 94 of 270 Majorities or near-majorities agreed or strongly agreed with all of the business/regulatory trends about which -of-three respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the income and benefits from off-farm employment are necessary to maintain their farm operation (74%) and the merger of input suppliers (feed, seed, chemicals, etc.) have reduced competition and raised -in-ten agreed or strongly agreed that mergers among processors have reduced competition and reduced prices received (59%) and that global agricultural markets benefit their agricultural more important in their farming operation in the next twenty years (50%) and that governmental environmental regulations to protect air, soil, and water resources are reasonable (48%). About one-quarter of respondents (26%) disagreed or strongly disagreed that environmental regulations are reasonable. No other statement in Figure 12 had more than 16% of the respondents in disagreement. Source: Survey Research Center Report 2021/8, May 2021 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 95 of 270 Goals and Objectives Goal 1: the rural landscape. Objectives: 1.1 Preserve productive soils identified by county land evaluation system. 1.2 Support public and/or private initiatives that preserve farmland. 1.3 Minimize the loss and fragmentation of farmland in rural areas. Goal 2: Promote agricultural development to support St. Croix County producers, businesses, and communities. Objectives: 2.1 Maintain and strengthen a farm operator's ability to farm using accepted practices that do not threaten public health or safety. 2.2 Support economic incentives for landowners to keep productive agricultural land in agricultural use. 2.3 Support efforts which increase the viability and diversity of agriculture throughout the county. 2.4 Support agricultural processing and marketing initiatives for local, regional, and global markets. 2.5 Maintain and strengthen the county farm economy. 2.6 Identify, develop, and maintain agricultural infrastructure to support agricultural operations. Goal 3: Guide or manage development patterns that will preserve farmland and promote agricultural development. Objectives: 3.1 accommodate growth. 3.2 Guide rural development to locations that will not convert productive agricultural land. 3.3 Encourage conservation design development and private conservancy as methods for preserving productive agricultural land. Discourage isolated non-agriculture commercial and industrial uses that are not compatible with preservation of farmland and agricultural development . Goal 4: Conserve availability and quality of natural resources for agriculture. Objectives: 4.1 Encourage the conservation of groundwater and surface water quality and quantity. 4.2 Encourage and promote farming and forestry operations to follow best management practices and maintain strong stewardship principles. 4.3 Prevent soil loss and maintain soil productivity through appropriate agricultural practices. 4.4 Encourage the establishment and maintenance of agricultural crops and pasture for agricultural land adjacent to public habitat areas. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 96 of 270 Preserve Farmland 1.St. Croix County will use the county Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) system to identify and protect productive farmland. 2.Lands planned for development in local comprehensive plans will not be included in farmland preservation areas and will not be eligible for state Farmland Preservation tax credits. 3.The county will develop and maintain a county Farmland Preservation Plan and ordinance that can be certified by the state to make St. Croix County producers eligible for state Farmland Preservation tax credits. 4.The county will encourage the use of the Farmland Preservation Program as one tool to protect agricultural land. 5.The county will maintain a farmland preservation area consistent with the Chapter 91, Wisconsin Statutes and the Farmland Preservation program. The farmland preservation area will be countywide, consisting of all parcels that are eligible to be included based on Chapter 91 standards. In implementing the plan, the farmland preservation area will be land that is eligible and recommended for farmland preservation zoning, and/or Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEA) . 6. 7.The county will support and encourage 3-party agreements to preserve farmland that include multiple partners such as land-trust, government, and land owner. 8.The county will advise legislators about policy impacts on St. Croix County agriculture. Support & Promote Agriculture 9.The county will favor existing agricultural land uses over newly established non-agricultural land uses when considering land use conflicts in the Farmland Preservation Area. 10.The county will update and promote the use of the Rural Living Guide. 11.The county will explore the development and distribution of a county wide social media newsletter focusing on agriculture, natural resources and related topics . 12.The county will educate the public on why preserving agricultural land is important, including food production, wildlife habitat, and economic importance to community. 13.The county will consistently administer the agricultural use-value conversion charge in all Towns through town assessors and County Treasurer. 14.Agricultural uses should include a broad range of activities such as livestock and crop production, plant nurseries, tree farms, orchards, community-supported agriculture, hobby farms, organic production, vineyard, and on-farm bio-energy production. 15.The county will maintain networking with farmer led councils, agricultural producer organizations, 16.County Programming should adapt to innovations in agriculture in the farmland preservation areas. 17.The county will support state programs encouraging young farmers and other agriculture related professions. 18.The county will support the construction and/or maintenance of physical infrastructure including roads, rail, high-speed telecommunications, and the utility grid. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 97 of 270 19.The county will develop and distribute electronic and print publications such as the Rural Living Guide. 20.Maintain county, state, and federal agricultural agencies and educational services to provide technical and financial assistance to the agricultural community. Guide/Manage Development 21.The county will establish incentives/regulations to encourage development in existing areas that are able to accommodate new development, such as zoning, density bonus in areas other than farmland preservation areas, etc. 22.The county will prohibit non-farm development on productive farmland in farmland preservation areas wherever the respective town will support it. 23.Only commercial and industrial uses clearly related to agricultural production should be allowed in the farmland preservation area wherever the respective town will support it. 24.The county will encourage conservation site design on land located at the edges of the farmland preservation area to serve as a buffer between farmland and non-farm development. 25.The county will encourage and support private conservancy efforts to protect and preserve productive agricultural land. 26.The county will support commercial and industrial land uses that are agriculturally related and support local agriculture. 27.The county will evaluate land use applications for commercial and industrial land uses clearly related regulations. 28.The county will limit to locations outside of the farmland preservation area commercial and industrial land uses that are not clearly related to agricultural production. 29.Agriculture-related commercial and industrial development should be compatible with adjacent land uses and located on non-productive soils. 30.Agricultural Entertainment uses shall minimize impacts to adjacent properties related to excessive noise and light. Conserve Natural Resources Related to Agriculture 31.The county will promote conservation programs and best management practices so as to increase the infiltration of storm water runoff for groundwater recharge. 32.The county will promote conservation programs and best management practices for agricultural uses that consume ground water resources. 33.The county will promote conservation programs and best management practices to reduce soil erosion. 34.The county will encourage the implementation of best management practices for agriculture, which conserve soil and water, and reduce the use of pesticides. 35.The county will encourage the development and implementation of nutrient management plans to limit nutrient runoff and soil erosion. 36.The county will promote participation in local, state, and federal conservation programs. The county will encourage cooperation between agricultural producers and public agencies. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 98 of 270 N ATURAL R ESOURCES St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 99 of 270 Natural Resources Vision St. Croix County has maintained and enhanced its natural resource base. The water quality for drinking and recreation is excellent. The streams, rivers and lakes are clean and vibrant with healthy fish and recreational opportunities. St. Croix County has a healthy diversity of natural land resources lakes, rivers, streams, woods, wetlands, prairie that contribute to the quality and abundance of wildlife and to the beauty of the County. The County has conducted a natural resources inventory to provide a basis for exploring new preservation policies. The County works to maintain the lake and river water quality in particular, in the St. Croix River, Willow, Apple and Bass Lake watersheds, and to preserve and enhance wildlife corridors along streams and rivers and through woods and prairies. Enhancing water quality has occurred by preventing excess runoff from agricultural lands and impervious landscapes like parking lots, roof tops and driveways. The County has worked to provide public access to many of these natural areas for passive recreational opportunities (walking, nature study) in coordination with the DNR and in some cases private landowners. The County has promoted the incentives to preserve viewsheds and open space and continues to examine innovative land and water conservation techniques as they are created. The County has identified a network of natural resource corridors that provide various activities like hunting, fishing and walking when appropriate. The County has identified in conjunction with these corridors a network of bike trails and other recreational opportunities. Introduction European heritage, St. Croix County was covered in a variety of different ecosystems including prairie, forest, and marshland. The early settlers included loggers, traders and farmers, who made a living from the natural resources of the land. Natural resources play a significant role in day-to-day life, tourism, and recreation. To better understand the land resources, identifies environmental corridors, addresses issues and concerns that may threaten the County level. This inventory is meant to assist local communities in their planning efforts and in the protection of local natural resources through efficient management and intergovernmental cooperation. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 100 of 270 Findings & Issues Physical Features Conditions 1.St. Croix County has a total surface water area of 9,598 acres and approximately 290 miles of shoreline. 2.The St. Croix River in St. Croix County has been designated by Congress as the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and is an extremely popular recreation resource. 3.Generally, the topography of St. Croix County is lower in the western edge of the County abutting the St. Croix River and rises in elevation the further east. 4.St. Croix County has 15 operating and licensed non-metallic mining sites. There are no known metallic mineral deposits in sufficient tonnage or quality to warrant extraction. 5.Sand and gravel resources are available throughout the County, but are more abundant near rivers, and in the northwest portion of the County. 6.St. Croix County is located in both the St. Croix River Basin and the Lower Chippewa River Basin watersheds 7. should be tested to detect unsafe levels of radon. Sensitive Lands Conditions 8.Among many other state and federal conservancy areas, there are four state natural areas in the county, Apple River Canyon, Kinnickinnic Wet Prairie, St. Croix Islands and Cylon Natural Area to protect local plants, animals, and/or ecosystems. 9.Assessed agricultural and forest acres are about 75 percent of the land in the county. In 2022, the combined assessed forest increased by roughly 18,119 acres since 2010. 10.Approximately 16 percent of St. Croix County has steep slopes of 12 percent or greater, on which development should be limited or discouraged. 11.St. Croix County is home to 48 animal species, 25 plant species, and 23 natural communities that can be considered rare or endangered. 12.St. Croix County has three Wisconsin Land Legacy Places identified in the draft State plan: Kinnickinnic River, Lower St. Croix River, and Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area. Environmental Corridors 13.St. Croix County has identified environmental corridors and resources with a concentration of significant environmental features and sensitive lands that can be adversely impacted by development. 14.Sensitive habitats can be encroached upon or degraded by invasive species. There are a variety of invasive plants and animals that have been found in St. Croix County that are a threat to its natural communities. Ground and Surface Water 15.The quality and accessibility of ground and surface water can be threatened by soil erosion, nitrates, emerging contaminants, point source discharges, and invasive species. 16.County residents should test their drinking water for nitrates or other contaminants. 17. tested to ensure it is safe for consumption. 18.Groundwater provides drinking water to St. Croix County residents. Groundwater is susceptible to contamination from metals, triazine, nitrates, Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other contaminants and must be tested to ensure it is safe for consumption. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 101 of 270 19.Stormwater management is important in order to reduce prevent soil erosion, mitigate flooding, and limit run-off of pollutants, nutrients, and sediment to water bodies. 20.According to WDNR Water Condition Viewer, August 2023, the impaired waters in St. Croix County include: Apple Lake, Cedar Lake, Tenmile Creek, Mallalieu Lake, Willow River, Eau Galle River, St. Croix River, Twin Lakes, and Pine Lake. Opportunities 1.Water quality and quantity issues should be a top priority throughout the County and be addressed based on scientific approaches in cooperation with state and local government. 2.Growth and development policies and management techniques should address potential adverse impacts on sensitive lands and environmental corridors when development occurs. 3.The number of programs and regulations in place to protect our natural resources, as well as the threats to those resources, are always changing. The County should assist local governments and residents in keeping pace with these changes. 4.Inform and encourage community participation in environmental and sustainable stewardship practices by individual and businesses. 5.Encourage community involvement through education about the importance of sustainable environmental practices and choices that they can make to be good stewards of environmental resources. 6.Citizens are in support of taking action to reduce impacts on our environment. National and state climate change initiatives can provide resources and incentives to reduce our environmental impacts. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 102 of 270 Topography Surface topography in St. Croix County ranges from gently rolling to steep ridges along deeply incised stream central portion of the County is a rolling plain, while mesas and resistant dolomite formations break the plain. Areas of more rugged topography are found in the northeastern portion and along the eastern fringes of the County. The scenic character of the County landscape was strongly influenced by two principal factors: the landforms created by glacial deposits and the effects of water in creating stream channels, lakes, and valleys. The Elevation Map below shows feet above sea level in St. Croix County. Local relief in the County is over 600 feet and ranges from almost 1,300 feet in the eastern hill area near Glen Hills Park down to 675 feet in the southwest as shown in the map below. The central part of the county is a gently undulating plain. In 2021, the County collected LIDAR data that includes 1-foot contours throughout the County. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 103 of 270 Surface Geology Geology is the foundation of the landscape. It defines the topography of the land, determines the location of springs and rivers, and provides drinking water from its bedrock aquifers. The surface geology of St. Croix County has been influenced by several periods of glaciation, the last one ending approximately 10,000 years ago. Landforms produced by glacial deposition include end moraine, ground moraine, and outwash plains. The first glacier covered the entire County while the second, the Wisconsin Stage, covered only the land northwest of the Willow River. End moraines are formed by deposition at the margin of a glacier during a standstill of the glacial front, when the rate of melting equals the rate of glacial advance. They form either at the point of maximum ice advance or during the recession of the glacier. The northwest corner of the County is covered by end moraine from the Superior lobe of the Wisconsin Age of glaciation (See Map right). This end moraine consists of unsorted glacial material ranging in size from clay to boulders. Typically, the topography is rugged to rolling or hummocky with deep stream gorges and kettles (pits) which may contain lakes or marshes. The rest of the County is covered by ground moraine deposited previous to the Wisconsin stage of glaciation. Ground moraine was deposited under glacial ice as a blanket of unsorted rock debris, which ranges widely in size. Early-Wisconsin or pre-Wisconsin Age glaciers deposited the ground moraine, which covers much of St. Croix County. A gently rolling topography, meandering streams and few lakes characterize this ground moraine. The topography here is a gently undulating plain with moderate relief and no definite alignment of undulation. Immediately adjacent to the leading edges of the end moraine deposited by the Superior lobe is a pitted outwash plain of stratified layers of sand, gravel, silt, and clay. The outwash plain was deposited by running water from melting glaciers. Kettles developed in the plain from the melting of buried blocks of ice. The St. Croix River Valley, along the western extreme of the County, was a major glacial drainageway as the glaciers melted and receded. Faults lines locations, the characteristics of the sedimentary rocks have been altered. Sedimentary rocks are vertically offset by hundreds of feet along two regional faults and by tens of feet along smaller mapped and unmapped faults throughout the county. The regional Hastings and Cottage Grove faults extend through all of the sedimentary rock and place rocks of different formations adjacent to one another. The internal structure of these faults is not well understood, nor is the effect of the faults on groundwater-flow patterns. Research on other faults outside of the county suggests that faults are generally composed of a thin internal fine-grained core and a surrounding damage zone in which the native rocks are fractured. Bedrock Geology Map below. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 104 of 270 Bedrock Geology Most of the bedrock surface of the County was covered by glaciation. Four different bedrock formations are found below the bedrock surface: Precambrian rocks, Cambrian sandstone, Ordovician rock, and unconsolidated materials. Precambrian rocks are the bottommost layer of bedrock that can be found throughout St. Croix County and the entire State of Wisconsin. These rocks were formed around 4,000 to 600 million years ago and consist of some very old sedimentary rocks, as well as igneous and metamorphic rock types, primarily granite and basalt. This rock unit or layer is commonly referred to as crystalline bedrock. Cambrian sandstones are sedimentary rocks that were formed about 600 to 425 million years ago. During this time period eroded sands were deposited in layers on the ocean floor. These layers formed a loosely cemented sandstone rock which is between 300 to 500 feet thick. Predominant formations of the Cambrian include Mt. Simon, Eau Claire, Galesville, Franconia and Trempealeau. This formation can be found near surface geology in the northwest portion of the County; however it is usually covered by the deepest deposits of glacial material. See Bedrock Geology Map below. Ordovician rocks are the youngest rocks and are the uppermost bedrock layers. These sedimentary rocks consist of sandstones, shales, and dolomites. These are further defined as the Prairie du Chien group, St. Peter Sandstone Formation, and Galena-Platteville Formation. Due to early erosion, the Galena-Platteville Formation is only found where it caps some hills in the southwest portion of the County. The St. Peter Sandstone underlies this formation and is the uppermost bedrock layer in about 1/5 of the County. The primary bedrock layer that covers over half the County is the Prairie du Chien dolomite. Unconsolidated materials of mainly till and sands deposited by glaciers are found overlying the bedrock throughout almost the entire County. The thickness around Emerald is between 50-100 feet. Shallow bedrock is located mostly in the southern half and eastern edge of the County. These conditions pose higher construction costs for basements and also risk groundwater contamination from on-site septic systems because of the lack of a filtering soil layer. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 105 of 270 Karst Features Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. Karst features have been formed through two quite different geological processes: karst development and glaciation. Fractures in the Ordovician aged rock units, primarily the Prairie Du Chien Dolomite can increase the potential for Karst Topography. Karst development occurs in regions with highly soluble bedrock; St. Croix County is covered by rather thick, soluble carbonate units, primarily known as Prairie du Chien Dolomite. As water travels through the cracks, existing and new fractures develop in the dolomite. The growing fractures form karst features (such as sinkholes) on the land surface and create conduits for polluted surface runoff to enter the groundwater (See Karst Systems figure below). Glacial action can also result in topography marked by closed depressions known as kettles or kettleholes. Kettles develop when large blocks of glacier ice are buried within glacial deposits and subsequently melt. Many of the depressions in the western and northwestern portions of the County are kettles that developed in the St. Croix moraine after it was deposited during the Wisconsinian glaciation. Since closed depressions sometimes offer minimal soil layers between the bottom of the depressions and the bedrock underneath, they are a significant potential source of groundwater contamination. The groundwater section of this document offers more discussion on closed depressions and related groundwater concerns. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 106 of 270 Mineral Resources According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there are currently no known metallic mineral deposits or occurrences in sufficient tonnage and grade such as iron, taconite or gold in St. Croix County to warrant extraction. Therefore there are no metallic mining operations in the County. Nonmetallic Mining St. Croix County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Nonmetallic Mining, regulates all nonmetallic mining operations and sites within each town in the county. An operation and site restoration-revegetation plan is required. The ordinance was enacted in 2004, amended in 2007 and 2014. Supplies of sand and gravel are available for nonmetallic mining throughout St. Croix County. The County has 18 operating non-metallic mining sites permitted under Chapter NR 135 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code (See Mining Locations / Depth to Bedrock Map below). Some mines are operated by St. Croix County Highway Department, and the other mine sites are privately operated, primarily for road aggregate, concrete mix and construction fill. Chapter NR 135 covers annual permitting by local governments and the reclamation of non-metallic mine sites. Where the bedrock is at or near the surface of the ground are areas that are more suited for quarrying stone or bedrock operations that extract high quality sand and stone. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 107 of 270 Sand & Gravel Deposits The northwestern third of the County has the densest concentration of potential sand and gravel deposits as shown in the Sand and Gravel Deposits Map below. These surficial soils found amongst glacial outwash are the most likely sources for sand and gravel as the melting waters of the glacier were most active in sorting and depositing sand and gravel used for localized road fill in this area. Soil Survey of St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Other local conditions, such as access/egress, existing development, current land uses, ownership, and public sentiment may preclude extraction at some of these locations. As communities begin to develop local land use goals, these maps should be considered to reduce potential land use conflicts. Such mineral resources are efficient, and adequate community facilities. Wise use and conservation of the existing mineral resources of St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 108 of 270 Soils The generalized soil associations in St. Croix County are shown in the Soils Map below. Each association contains several major and minor soils in a pattern that varies throughout the association. The soils within an association differ in many properties such as drainage, wetness, slope, and depth to bedrock. These characteristics affect the suitability of the land for agriculture and for development. This information is intended to be used for general policy and planning purposes, and not to provide information for site-specific applications. The County has a detailed digital soil survey available for planning or management purposes with information on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soils, and provided soil property interpretations for agricultural, engineering, planning and resource conservation activities. Hydric Soils Wetlands consist of hydric soils. Hydric soils generally have a seasonal depth to water table of one foot or less and are capable of supporting wetland vegetation. Poorly drained soils have a seasonal depth to water table of three feet and are concentrated on the eastern part of the County where many of the soils have high clay content, often causing a perched water table condition. Shallow water table conditions risk groundwater contamination from on-site septic systems and could cause wetness problems for dwellings with basements. St. Croix County LESA System St. Croix County has developed a customized Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) system to meet the local soil conditions and site assessment concerns in the county used to rank agricultural lands based on their agricultural value and as a component in t Additional information is available in the Agriculture - Farmland Preservation chapter of this plan. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 109 of 270 Cropland Soil Loss The table and graph below show St. Croix County average annual soil loss and erosion in tons per acre from 2001-2022. The data reveals that cropland soil loss has increased since 2001. County cropland estimated overall average soil loss from 2001-2022 is 3.01 tons per acre per year. The overall average has increased 0.71 tons per acre per year since 2011 (2.3). The data was gathered from the St. Croix County annual transect survey of cropland cover and practices conducted by the Land and Water Conservation Department, according to standard methods. The inventory began in 1999 and provides information about erosion rates from cropland and assists in targeting areas for conservation practices. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers conservation compliance for highly erodible land (HEL) and tolerable soil loss. Tolerable soil loss is the maximum annual amount of soil that can be removed before the long-term natural soil productivity is adversely affected. The impact of erosion on a given soil type, and hence the tolerance level, varies depending on the type and depth of soil. The County participates in the NRCS program to maintain conservation compliance. St. Croix County Cropland Soil Loss YearTons/acreYearTons/acreYearTons/acre 20013.220093.220172.7 20022.320102.920183.9 20033.220112.320193.8 20043.220122.720203.61 20052.820132.520213.96 20062.920142.320223.97 20073.220152.2 20082.720162.6 Average 3.01 Source: St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 110 of 270 Radon in Soils radium found in soil, rock and water. Radon is odorless, colorless, and undetectable by the human senses. In the soil, as these elements decay, radon gas is produced. Radon easily moves in homes through cracks and other openings. Once into the home, radon has less air to mix with, and may build up to dangerous levels. Radon decay products or the radioactive particles can be inhaled. Once inhaled, the particles stick to your lungs and release radioactive energy. The radioactive energy can cause damage to the lung tissue. Extended exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Surgeon General strongly recommends all homes be tested for radon. Homes with radon levels of four picocuries per Liter (4 pCi/L) or higher should be mitigated. The Radon Results Map below shows radon testing results from St. Croix County Public Health, as of October 2023. Some test results in the 2023 map below show radon levels after property owners have mitigated a previous high radon level test result. All homes should be tested for radon level. Radon levels shown are not intended to predict the radon level in a neighboring house. This map shows that elevated radon levels can occur in all areas of St. Croix County. The variability of radon concentrations further suggests that adjacent properties would be the same, houses right next to each other can have completely different radon levels. Any home may have a radon problem whether it is old, new, drafty, well-sealed, has a basement or is built on a slab. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test. Radon test kits that meet EPA guidelines are available at the following county offices: Land and Water Conservation office in Baldwin; Planning and Zoning office in the Government Center in Hudson; or Public Health Department in New Richmond. Additional information on radon, testing, and health impacts is available on the St. Croix County Public Health website. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 111 of 270 Groundwater Groundwater is a limited resource, and it is the source of residential drinking water in St. Croix County. Eleven municipalities in St. Croix County provide drinking water to 49,082 residents. With a county population of 95,044 in 2021, this means that approximately 45,962 county residents get their drinking water from private wells. Understanding how groundwater is used in the County and how it can become contaminated is important to understanding the relationship between land use and groundwater quality. Groundwater Sources The first step in this process is to understand the source of groundwater. Water enters the groundwater flow system as recharge to the water table. As rain and snow fall to the ground, some runs off into the lakes, rivers, and streams; some evaporates; and some is used by plants. The rest trickles down through the soil and subsoil material. This water eventually reaches a saturated zone that comprises groundwater. These saturated zones, called aquifers, are geologic formations that can store and transmit water. St. Croix County has five aquifers listed below. 1.Sand and gravel aquifer, which is made up of unconsolidated glacial and alluvial materials that overlies the bedrock. This aquifer is less than 50 feet thick and occurs in about one-fourth of the county, either at the land surface or buried under less permeable drift. The sand and gravel aquifer can yield sufficient water for private residential water supplies. 2.Upper bedrock aquifer underlies the sand and gravel aquifer and is continuous over the county. It is made up of sandstone and dolomite and includes, from youngest to oldest, the Sinnipee and Ancell groups, where present, and the Prairie du Chien, Trempealeau and Tunnel City groups. 3.Wonewoc aquifer consists of the Wonewoc formation which underlies the shaly base of the upper aquifer and forms a thin aquifer of about 75 feet. The Wonewoc is a clean, well-sorted medium-to coarse-grained quartzose sandstone. 4.Eau Claire aquifer consists of the Eau Claire Formation which underlies the Wonewoc aquifer and consists of lateral layers of very-fine to fine grained sandstone and several shaly facies which defines this aquifer as a confining unit. The total thickness of this unit is about 100 feet. 5.Mount Simon aquifer is the lowest found in St. Croix County, it consists of the Mount Simon Formation. This formation overlies the Precambrian crystalline basement rock, which is assumed to be impermeable and forms the lower boundary of the groundwater-flow system. The Mount Simon consists of medium-to-coarse- grained sandstone with some shale and is about 250 feet thick. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 112 of 270 Groundwater Recharge & Flow Paths Groundwater recharge maintains the quantity of water in an aquifer. The natural process of recharge can be altered by land use and development. Impervious surfaces, or surfaces that prevent precipitation from soaking into the ground like buildings and pavement, affect the rate of recharge and quantity of available groundwater. In St. Croix County, some recharging water moves downward to the sand and gravel or upper bedrock aquifer, travels a short horizontal distance and discharges to a stream or wetland. The figures below show the land and water surface of St. Croix County, and the general groundwater flow paths. The red line in the County Surface Figure shows the groundwater divide and the orange line represents the cross-section from A- several places in the eastern quarter of the county to just over 675 feet along the St. Croix River. St. Croix County Land & Water Surface A study titled Groundwater Flow System for St. Croix, Pierce and Polk Counties, was completed in 2009 by the United States Geological Service (USGS). Results indicate that about 82 percent of groundwater is from recharge within St. Croix County, 15 percent from surface-water sources and 4 percent is inflow across county boundaries. The Flow Path Figure below shows a cross-section of the surface figure above and the groundwater traveling in the aquifer system. Blue flow paths represents groundwater that has only been in the system for a few years to decades. Most of the groundwater withdrawn by private wells is collected from these local groundwater systems. Shallow flow in the county is dominated by the karstic Prairie du Chien aquifer. Regional flow paths (red) are much longer and slower and groundwater has been in the system for hundreds of years. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 113 of 270 Groundwater Quality, Contamination & Wellhead Protection Areas Municipal water systems are regulated by the WI Department of Natural Resources, meaning they have to regularly test their water and must notify the public if water exceeds certain drinking water standards. In the case of municipal wells, if water does exceed drinking water standards additional steps must be taken to ensure that the standards are met before the water is distributed to the individual homes in the community. Municipal systems provide reasonable assurance that drinking the water will not result in any acute or chronic health effects. Another tool used by municipal water systems is the development of wellhead protection plans (WHPP) and areas. These plans identify sources of drinking water and protect the quality and quantity of those sources. The communities in St. Croix County with WHPPs are Baldwin, Hammond, Hudson, New Richmond, Roberts, Somerset, Star Prairie, and Woodville. Well head protection areas are designated around municipal wells to help protect them from potential sources of contamination, such as nearby industrial or agricultural activities. It is important to review proposed construction activities within these protection areas to ensure that they do not pose a threat to the quality of the groundwater. Cooperation among municipalities and landowners is essential to the success of wellhead protection areas. Contact local municipalities for more information. Private wells that serve individual families are not required to be regularly tested. The majority of the homeowner to determine what tests to perform and how often. If water quality problems are detected, the are and whether those risks are great enough to correct the problem or find an alternative source of water. Protecting groundwater may mean modifying or even prohibiting certain activities in areas where contaminants can easily enter the groundwater. This can mean changing the type of septic system required, or limiting the concentration of development in areas that are most susceptible to contamination. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 114 of 270 Groundwater Contamination Concern Areas The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has developed the Groundwater Contamination Susceptibility Model (GCSM) used to estimate the susceptibility of the groundwater based on particular natural resource characteristics including bedrock depth, bedrock type, soil characteristics, surficial deposits, and water table depth. The result of the analysis shows that the majority of St. Croix County has information is available in the St. Croix County All Hazards Mitigation Plan and on the WI DNR website. The County Groundwater Contamination Concern Areas Map below shows: Remediation Open Site Points Environmental Repair Program (ERP) sites are potential brownfield remediation sites from past hazardous materials dumping, storage tank leaks, or other contamination Well Advisory Areas Emerging Contaminants 1.Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. 2.Septic systems: As more septic systems are installed, it becomes increasingly important to monitor the density of these systems and their potential impact on groundwater quality. 3.Wastewater Discharge: Private and public sewer systems and wastewater discharges are potential sources of water pollutants. The Community Facilities and Utilities chapter of this plan includes more information regarding wastewater treatment. 4.Medical Disposal and the Health Department to safely dispose of medications. More information can be found in the County Solid Waste and Recycling Management Plan 2018 5.Animal waste containing pharmaceuticals spread as fertilizer is a concern. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 115 of 270 Drinking Water Testing Programs Nitrate pollution is a serious concern for groundwater and drinking water. Nitrates can easily leach through the soil and contaminate groundwater which is the sole source of drinking water. Regular testing of drinking water sources can help detect nitrate pollution and inform water users so that appropriate measures can be taken to protect public health such as installing effective water treatment. Water test kits are available from St. Croix County offices in Hudson, Baldwin and New Richmond. More information on St. Croix County website. Nitrate Screening Clinics St. Croix County offers free well water nitrate-nitrogen screening clinics for residents. In addition to the screening test results, residents can gather valuable information about how to protect their private well and what treatment options are available. Regular water testing can help ensure safe drinking water. The regular nitrate screening clinics are a great resource for St. Croix County residents to learn more about the quality of their drinking water and take steps to protect it. Citizen Groundwater Monitoring Program The Citizen Groundwater Monitoring Program (CGMP) is a scientific groundwater study to determine long- term trends in groundwater nitrate in St. Croix County. Over 170 drinking water wells distributed throughout County Resident Exposure to High Drinking Water Nitrates CGMP Well the county have been monitored for nitrates from 2019 2022. Results Nitrate Concentration Number of WellsNumber of Residents indicate that 13% of wells exceed the > 10 ppm 13% 23075975 nitrate drinking standard of 10 ppm. 621116087 Studies in 1999 and 2010 found only 10% 656617006 of wells in the county exceeded this < 1.0 ppm 15 % 26626894 standard which suggests that drinking Source: St. Croix County water nitrate concentrations in the Count Groundwater Nitrate Levels Nitrate levels St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 116 of 270 Surface Waters Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, intermittent waterways, and natural drainageways make up the 18,934 acres of surface waters in St. Croix County. These resources are water bodies, standing still or flowing, navigable and intermittent, and include natural drainageways that collect and channel overland rainwater or snowmelt runoff. Natural drainageways are characterized by intermittent streams, threads, rills, gullies, and dry-runs that periodically contribute water to first-order streams. There are also many artificial drainageways where the natural drainageways have been altered by human activity. All of these features have the ability to transport sediment and pollutants and are affected by their watersheds. St. Croix County has a total in-land surface water area of 9,598 acres or 15 square miles and approximately 290 miles of shoreland as shown in the map below. 33 lakes and two spring ponds, the largest of which are: p 416-acre Bass Lake in the towns of Somerset and St. Joseph p A portion of the 1,107-acre Cedar Lake in the Town of Star Prairie p 129 acre Apple Lake in the Town of Star Prairie p 107 acre Pine Lake in the towns of Baldwin and Erin Prairie Seven river systems: p Apple River p Eau Galle River p Kinnickinnic River p Rush River p St. Croix River p Tiffany Creek p Willow River Seven flowages: p 270-acre Lake Mallalieu in the City of Hudson and Village of North Hudson p 172-acre Little Falls Lake in the towns of Hudson and St. Joseph p 142-acre New Richmond Flowage on the Willow River in the City of New Richmond p A portion of the 150-acre Eau Galle Lake/Lake George in the Town of Cady and Village of Spring Valley. p 84-acre Glen Lake in the Town of Springfield p 68-acre Riverdale Flowage on the Apple River in the Town of Star Prairie p 35.5-acre Apple Falls Flowage in the Town of Somerset only surface with a shared border. Approximately half of the 9,336-acre lake is located on the Wisconsin side of the state border with Minnesota. The St. Croix River is also notable since it has been designated by Congress as the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. With this designation, the National Park Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources work with local jurisdictions to manage and protect this waterway. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 117 of 270 Watersheds watersheds encompass several hundred square miles, while others may be small, covering only a few square miles and drain into a lake. This is important to understand since the effects of natural and human activities in one area can have a direct impact on other areas. The surface waters of St. Croix County fall within two major drainage systems - the St. Croix River Basin and the Lower Chippewa River Basin which can be seen in the map below. Surface waters in the western two- thirds of the County, including the Apple, Kinnickinnic, and Willow Rivers, fall within the St. Croix River Basin. The eastern third of the County, including the Hay and Eau Galle Rivers, are part of the Lower Chippewa River Basin. The exception is the Rush River in the south-central part of the County which flows directly into the Mississippi River. Similar to surrounding counties, the source of nearly all potable water is groundwater. However, surface water can be a major source of groundwater recharge, and in the case of St. Croix County, a factor in l values. Consequently, there is also significant concern for understanding the impacts of development on the surface water resources in the County. In general, the water quality in the Lower Chippewa River Basin and St. Croix River Basin is a concern. The major concern is from added nutrients and sediment from run-off, primarily from agricultural land and but also from urban areas. The two basins include the following watersheds: Trout Brook; Lower Apple River; Lower Willow River; Kinnickinnic River; Upper Willow River; Trimbelle River and Isabelle Creek; Rush River; and Eau Galle River. Surface and ground water quality can be affected by a wide variety of point and non- point sources, including agricultural run-off, stormwater from parking lots and roads, soil erosion, and spills of hazardous materials. The risk of water contamination increases as development occurs. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 118 of 270 Impaired Waters The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) maintains a list of impaired waters in Wisconsin. The Impaired Waters Map shows the impaired waters in St. Croix County as of August 2023 including: Apple Lake, Cedar Lake, Tenmile Creek, Mallalieu Lake, Willow River, Eau Galle River, St. Croix River, Twin Lakes, and Pine Lake. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program, established under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, focuses on identifying and restoring polluted rivers, streams, lakes, and other surface water bodies. A TMDL is a written, quantitative assessment of water quality problems in a water body and contributing sources of pollution. A TMDL is the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet and continue to meet water quality standards for that particular pollutant. This work was completed for the St. Croix Watershed in 2012 and reductions calculated for each of the 18 counties contributing surface runoff into Lake St. Croix. St. Croix county and Polk County were high contributors of phosphorous to the lake (see figure). Averaged over the watershed agriculture contributed 64%, grasslands 16%, municipal treatment plants 15%, MS-4 permittees 3%, and urban areas 2%. Over 82% of St. Croix county is covered by the Lake St. Croix TMDL and work is ongoing to meet the phosphorous reductions necessary to achieve water quality goals in the lake. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 119 of 270 Air Quality The WI DNR uses weather forecasts and data from air monitoring sites to determine air quality throughout the state, and notifies residents in real time when pollutants reach unhealthy levels. The DNR uses the U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) to inform the public of current pollutant levels. The AQI uses colors and corresponding numbers to communicate the current air quality for air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act. To protect public health, the DNR issues an air quality advisory for a county when the AQI exceeds, or is expected to exceed, the ozone or fine particle (PM2.5) standard. According to the WI Air Quality Index map below there is no monitor in St. Croix County. In 2010, the Air Monitoring Section in the Air Management Bureau of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources analyzed the air for carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ozone, PM2.5 (i.e., particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm or less), PM10 (i.e., particulate matter with a diameter of 10 µm or less), PM course (i.e., particulate matter with a diameter between 2.5 and 10 µm), sulfur dioxide and a variety of toxic air pollutants. The WDNR Somerset site tested for ozone for five years from 2006 to 2010 and found that the ozone levels never exceeded the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standard. In 2010, this station never detected ozone exceeding 85 percent of the standard. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 120 of 270 Environmental Corridors Environmental corridors are significant areas of environmental resources characterized by continuous systems of open space, physical features, environmentally sensitive lands and natural or cultural resources which can be adversely impacted by development. Managing development in environmental corridors with best practices in engineering, site design, and construction is crucial to the preservation of these valuable resources. The Environmental Corridors Map, below, identifies the environmental areas in the County. The following criteria were used to designate environmental corridors and resources. Primary Environmental Corridor Linear in nature, often arising from a dominant feature or focal point, such as a waterbody or geologic feature At least three environmental resources present At least 400 acres in size At least two miles long At least 200 feet wide Secondary Environmental Corridor At least two environmental resources present At least 100 acres in size Approximately one mile long or longer No minimum width Independent Environmental Resources At least one valued resource present No minimum size Separated from environmental corridors by intervening land or small, narrow features abutting environmental corridors St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 121 of 270 Sensitive Lands In addition to the more distinct physical land features, there are other environmentally sensitive and valued land resources that should be considered for the potential impacts of growth and development activities. These areas, referred to as sensitive lands, should be identified and evaluated for their significance as a valued resource in the County. The following Sensitive Lands are briefly reviewed and discussed in this section: 1.Floodplains 5.Forests & Woodlands 2.Shorelands 6.Grasslands & Prairie 3.Wetlands 7.Wildlife, Habitat & Open Space 4.Steep Slopes 8.Parks & Recreational Resources Floodplains Wisconsin Statute 87.30(1) (59.692) requires counties, cities and villages to implement floodplain zoning. The purpose of Wisconsin Administrative Code NR116, Floodplain Management Program, is the protection of property and public investments from the effects of flooding. Federal Emergency Management Agency 100- year floodplain maps are usually used to delineate flood hazard areas (See Floodplains Map below). Counties are required to adopt reasonable and effective floodplain zoning ordinances within one year after hydraulic and engineering data adequate to formulate the ordinance becomes available. St. Croix County has adopted and implemented Chapter 18 Floodplain ordinance that is effective in all towns. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 122 of 270 Shorelands Shorelands are usually considered prime residential building areas because of their scenic beauty. However, shorelands provide valuable habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial animals and vegetation. Shorelands also act as buffers and thus serve to protect water quality. Wisconsin requires counties to protect and prevent the loss and erosion of these valuable resources by adopting and enforcing a shoreland ordinance under Wisconsin Statutes 59.971 and 144.26. Wisconsin Administrative Code NR115 dictates the shoreland management program. Counties may permit only certain uses in wetlands of five acres or more within the Chapter 16 Shoreland Overlay Districts ordinance permits only certain uses in wetlands of three acres or more within the shoreland zone. This ordinance is effective in all towns. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 123 of 270 Wetlands Wetlands may be seasonal or permanent and are commonly referred to as swamps, marshes, or bogs. See Wetlands Map below. Wetland plants and soils have the capacity to store and filter pollutants ranging from pesticides to animal wastes. Wetlands can make lakes, rivers and streams cleaner, drinking water safer and also provide valuable habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial animals and vegetation, and replenishment of groundwater supplies. Groundwater discharge is common from wetlands and can be important in maintaining stream flows and contribute to high quality water in lakes and streams. Development in wetlands by either draining or filling removes their natural functions of storing and filtering pollutants, cleaning lakes, rivers and streams, making drinking water safer, providing valuable habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial animals and vegetation, replenishing groundwater supplies and the groundwater discharge from wetlands, which maintains stream flows, especially during dry months. The federal government and the DNR restrict development in wetlands through Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and NR103. More information at WDNR website. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 124 of 270 Steep Slopes It is generally more desirable, both environmentally and economically, to avoid steep slopes and disrupting natural drainageways with construction and land development. Steep slopes represent possible increased grading costs. There is a higher risk for soil erosion and runoff pollution with development on steep slopes, and flooding and wet basements can occur with drainageway disruptions. Steep slopes are any area where the gradient of the land is greater than 12 percent or greater (each percent of slope is measured as one unit in elevation for every 100 horizontal units). Areas having steep slopes can be categorized into three levels, greater than 12 percent to 20 percent slope, 21 percent to 24 percent, and 25 percent and greater. Development on slopes of greater than 12 percent to 20 percent should consider direct runoff into lakes, rivers, or streams, follow state approved construction site erosion control standards, and institute best management practices to control on-site runoff and pollution. Land with slopes of 21 percent or greater represent a definite limiting environmental condition. Development on these slopes results in high construction costs and severe erosion with resultant negative impacts to surface and ground waters. Development on slopes of 21 percent or greater is highly discouraged. Based on the Soil Survey for St. Croix County, there are 78,100 acres that potentially have a slope of greater than 12 percent or greater representing 9.8 percent of the total land base. Of this, 12,700 acres (1.9 percent) have slopes of 21 percent or greater and 0.3 percent have a slope of 25 percent or greater. The majority of steep slopes are located in the western and eastern portions of the county. Relief changes are shown on the Slopes Map below. Additional localized and site-specific variations in topography and slope may exist. Glacial activity created some scenic topography, but may also be very sensitive to development activities. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 125 of 270 Forests & Woodlands Forests and woodlands are an important feature of St. Croix County. Forests are the second most extensive assessed land use and land cover after agriculture. The largest concentrations of woodlands occur on the peripheries of the County. Most significant, the densest patches of forests are located on the western and eastern edges of the County. There are also some forests on the northern border of the County. The table below shows the assessed forest and agricultural forest lands in St. Croix County Towns. Assessed forest acreage increased by roughly 14,839 acres between 1990-2010, and another 825 acres between 2010-2020. Assessed Forest & AG Forest 1990 - 2020 St. Croix County ParcelsAcres # Change # Change Town1990**2010*20201990**2010*2020 10-2010-20 Baldwin109180155-258821747177629 Cady215371362-9364943414073-268 Cylon264233227-6375331413006-135 Eau Galle**5438339077023808386961 Emerald12626931041175733573567210 Erin Prairie75110118899314651706241 Forest1273013098243448474399-448 Glenwood116340329-11127333513117-234 Hammond3313414915319556737181 Hudson54386426694372685313 Kinnickinnic2412732807233228692792-77 Pleasant Valley1098814658543618993375 Richmond98898992876778922 Rush River468978-11449744742-2 Saint Joseph1927917697234021851977-208 Somerset37418727992511634253635210 Springfield9927930829183946624528-134 Stanton176299143-156139514551683228 Star Prairie110143280137159430763757681 Troy1892462601422092776280024 Warren95256122-13496514431199-244 TOTALS290242984574276361665100551830825 Source: Wisconsin Department of Revenue and County assessed land use data. * Between 2003 and 2007, the Department of the comparison of 2007 data and the data from the previous three years. ** 1990 data was not available, so 1996 data was used. In St. Croix County, woodlands are an important part of the environment, aesthetics, and economy. Woodlands provide: Habitat for a variety of plants and animals Support for wood-based industries, including the expanding bio-energy sector Resources for the agricultural community An environment for recreational activities Scenic beauty of the landscape and the rural character of the county Woodlands managed according to approved forest management practices can support timber production and wildlife habitat. Unmanaged development and the fragmentation of woodlands in residential lots can diminish or eliminate a woodlands capacity to provide wood products, habitat for plants and animals, and aesthetic quality. Residential development in woodland areas could use conservation design techniques in order to allow for development and preserve the environmental and aesthetic value. The WI DNR manages forestry tax law programs that provide tax incentives to encourage managing private forestlands for forest crop production while recognizing a variety of other objectives. St. Croix County has 14,771.037 acres enrolled in Managed Forest Law programs as of 2023. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 126 of 270 Grasslands & Prairie Many parts of St. Croix County were originally covered by prairie, most of which does not remain today. Existing grassland areas are spread throughout the County. The northwestern part of the county has larger patches of grassland which are intermingled with forests and woodlands. The Land Cover Map shows grassland cover according to 2016 WI DNR data. Prairie is the term used to describe the grassland type that predominated Wisconsin prior to Euro-American settlement. Prairies include grasses and sedges, lack trees and tall shrubs, and are home to a rich variety of plants and animals. Prairies continue to be a threatened plant community in Wisconsin. There are few high- quality prairie remnants remaining in the state. Degraded areas that were once prairie can often be restored with moderate effort to yield a habitat suitable for most of the associated plant and animal species. Grasslands can be restored and maintained through preserving a certain amount of open space for this type of cover as development occurs and preserve the rural character of the landscape. Oak Savanna Oak savanna was originally present in St. Croix County. Wildfire and possibly bison and elk maintained these grasslands with scattered oaks. Only scant remnants of the ecosystem exist today. Oak savanna is the ecosystem that historically was a part of a larger complex bordered by prairies of the west and the forest of the east. They were a mosaic of plant types maintained by wildfire and possibly large ungulates such as bison and elk. Oak savannas are optimum habitat for many game species and songbirds and are one of the most threatened plant communities in the world. The Land Cover Map shows forest locations in St. Croix County. There is no formal inventory of oak savanna remnants however, some of the identified grasslands have the potential for oak savanna restoration by the Department of Natural Resources and other conservation groups. Wildlife, Habitat & Open Space Scattered throughout St. Croix County are various federal, state, and local wildlife, fishery, natural, and scientific areas, including private conservancy areas. These areas are managed as open space to provide important feeding, breeding, nesting, cover, and other habitat values to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Agricultural lands can also provide important open space and wildlife habitat. These areas are managed to provide important feeding, breeding, nesting, cover and other habitat values to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Waterfowl Production Areas include lands purchased with duck stamp dollars. Their primary purpose is to provide waterfowl production habitat. Management of WPAs includes ongoing wetland and prairie restoration, water level manipulation, prescribed fire, tree removal, mowing, and sometimes grazing. More information on the Land and Water Conservation Website. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 127 of 270 State Wildlife Areas The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages the Cylon Wildlife Area, Cylon Marsh Wildlife Area, and the St. Croix County Islands Wildlife Area. A variety of recreational activities may be pursued at the Wildlife Areas including hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, nature study, bird watching and berry picking. In addition, the State Department of Natural Resources own 17 additional pieces of land that range from urban wetlands to larger native terrains. They also own the Kinnickinnic River Fishery which includes 2,443 acres of parkland and water resources and the Willow River State Park. FacilitySizeLocationNotes Willow River State Park2,900 acresfive miles NE of Hudsoncampground, boat launch, beach Cylon Wildlife Area2,285 acresone mile E of Deer Parkforested/wetland Cylon Marsh Wildlife Area513 acresfour miles N of Deer Parkforested/grass/wetland St. Croix County Islands W.A1106 acresthree miles NW of Somersetgrass/wooded/backwaters Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources State Natural Areas State Natural Areas are managed to protect rare plants, animals, or native landscapes. State Natural Areas may be part of a larger State Wildlife Area, though permitted recreational activities may be less intensive. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there are four State Natural Areas in St. Croix County listed below. 1.Apple River Canyon features a deep (100-140 feet), narrow (150 feet) gorge along the Apple River about two miles upstream from its confluence with the St. Croix River. Apple River Canyon is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1978. 2.Kinnickinnic Wet Prairie supports many native prairie plants that have persisted despite having been grazed in the past. Kinnickinnic Wet Prairie is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2008. 3.St. Croix Islands features a diverse and extensive mosaic of running sloughs, backwater lakes, braided stream channels, stands of emergent aquatic vegetation, old-growth lowland forest, and the delta of the Apple River. St. Croix Islands is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2010. 4.Cylon Natural Area is located on nearly level topography just south of the Willow River. It is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2010. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has completed a study future conservation and recreation needs for the next 50 years. Over a three-year period, from 1999 to 2002, the DNR hosted numerous public and staff meetings to gather information, local knowledge, and opinions determining these places, including: high quality ecosystems, outstanding scenic beauty, accessibility, recreational opportunities, size of the resource, networks between resources, and water quality protection. The following locations in St. Croix County were identified as important legacy places: Kinnickinnic River; Lower St. Croix River; Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 128 of 270 Rare and Endangered Species and Natural Communities Wisconsin State Statute 29.604 and Administrative Rule Chapter NR 27 that establish, define and guide Wisconsin's endangered and threatened species laws. Any person in violation of these laws is subject to fines and/or imprisonment, even for unintentional violations. The Department of Natural Resources is required by law to implement conservation programs on State-listed species. The list below contains the top 5 species of each category on the WI DNR online list last updated in 2014. Wisconsin's Endangered and Threatened Species List (Top 1-5 in each category) MammalsReptiles EndangeredEndangered American MartenSlender Glass Lizard ThreatenedQueensnake Big brown batEastern Massasauga Little brown batOrnate Box Turtle Northern long-eared batWestern Ribbonsnake BirdsSnails EndangeredEndangered Piping PloverMidwest Pleistocene Vertigo Black TernOccult Vertigo Peregrine FalconThreatened Worm-eating WarblerWing Snaggletooth Caspian TernCherrystone Drop FishesInsects EndangeredEndangered Skipjack HerringPecatonica River Mayfly Crystal DarterRed-tailed Prairie Leafhopper Gravel ChubFlat-headed Mayfly Bluntnose DarterA Leafhopper Starhead TopminnowSwamp Metalmark MusselsPlants EndangeredEndangered SpectaclecasePale False Foxglove Purple WartybackCarolina Anemone ButterflyLarge-leaved Sandwort Elephant-EarLake Cress SnuffboxCut-leaved Anemone Amphibians Endangered Blanchard's Cricket Frog With the loss of grasslands and prairie many species of plants and animals associated with Wisconsin prairies are endangered, threatened or of special concern, and two are known to no longer exist in the State. Many grassland birds face similar circumstances as indicated by a growing list of special concern species and declining numbers of birds once considered common in the state, such as several species of sparrows and the meadowlark. Although the majority of prairie mammals have been able to adapt to the loss of prairie habitat, some are no longer present in the state, some are of special concern and others will have trouble adapting to the continued agricultural and land use changes. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 129 of 270 Parks & Recreation Resources Visitors and residents of St. Croix County have many opportunities to enjoy the natural resources of the county through parks, trails, and other public lands. A complete inventory of county, state and federally owned recreation facilities is provided in the Utilities & Community Facilities chapter. Residents and visitors also have the option to enjoy the natural resources of St. Croix County through many privately operated campgrounds, resorts, and other ventures, many of these are discussed in the Utilities & Community Facilities section and under tourism in the Economic Development section. Individual cities and villages also maintain their own parks and recreational activities discussed as part of the Utilities & Community Facilities Element. Invasive Species Humans have created conditions where plants and animals can aggressively invade and dominate natural areas and waterways in three ways: 1.Introducing exotic species: When humans introduce non-native species to an ecosystem, these species may lack natural competitors and predators to keep them in check. This allows them to grow unchecked and dominate the ecosystem, often at the expense of native species. 2.Changing environmental conditions: Human activities such as land-use changes, pollution, and climate change can alter environmental conditions and create new opportunities for invasive species. For example, invasive plants like Japanese knotweed thrive in disturbed soils, such as along roadways and construction sites. 3.Spreading invasive species through various methods: Invasive species can spread through natural means like wind and water, but human activities can also play a role. For example, boats and trailers can transport aquatic invasive species from one body of water to another, while nursery plants can contain invasive species that can spread to natural areas if not properly managed. Controlling aquatic invasive species is an important aspect of protecting the natural communities in St. Croix introduction and spread of non-native species, including outreach and education to the public, monitoring of high-risk areas, and regulation of activities that can facilitate the spread of invasive species. By implementing a comprehensive aquatic invasive species program that incorporates prevention, early detection and rapid response, and long-term management strategies, St. Croix County can help protect its natural resources and ensure sustainable use of its waterways for future generations. Early detection and rapid response is also critical for controlling invasive species before they become established and cause significant ecological and economic harm. This involves monitoring for new invasive species and quickly responding to new infestations with appropriate management techniques, such as herbicide treatments, manual removal, or biological control methods. Long-term management strategies are also necessary to maintain control over invasive species and prevent their re-establishment. This can involve ongoing monitoring and treatment, as well as efforts to restore native plant and animal communities to areas that have been impacted by invasive species. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 130 of 270 Goals & Objectives Goal 1: Preserve, conserve, enhance and restore the natural resources of St. Croix County in collaboration with all stakeholders. Objectives: 1.1Protect, enhance and restore groundwater and surface water quality and quantity to supply clean drinking water, preserve ecological functions and provide recreational opportunities. 1.2Provide sound science-based recommendations that protect the quality of groundwater supply that our County residents rely upon for personal household use and consumption 1.3Conserve, protect and restore wetlands and their natural functions. 1.4Continue to conserve and protect floodplains and shorelands to protect their natural functions and prevent any negative impacts from development. 1.5Promote information and education on the values of and threats to groundwater, surface water, land resources and scenic resources. 1.6Promote soil conservation practices that protect water quality and prevent erosion. 1.7Conserve mineral resources for nonmetallic mining. 1.8Balance the needs of the non-metallic mining industry for high-quality non-metallic minerals, and protection and operational regulations. 1.9Preserve and protect sensitive environmental corridors and features (See section , page ). 1.10Conserve and protect woodlands and grasslands for wildlife habitat, open space, hunting and air quality 1.11Develop, maintain, and increase the opportunities for nature-based recreation. 1.12Protect steep slopes from development activities to control erosion and sedimentation that can impact water quality, public facilities and neighboring property 1.13Preserve unique open space areas and areas of natural beauty and/or scenic value. 1.14Foster private land stewardship of individual properties and developments by landowners, developers and property managers. 1.15Support the prevention of the spread of pathogens and parasites and other contaminants that cause risk to human or animal health. 1.16Identify, monitor, control/eradicate invasive and noxious species. 1.17Guide land uses to locations and conditions that minimize adverse impacts to natural resources. 1.18Protect and enhance air quality. 1.19Manage renewable energy that respects and protects natural resources. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 131 of 270 Policies Groundwater Quality and Quantity 1.All unsewered development shall be designed to protect groundwater through the proper placement and operation of on-site wastewater treatment systems. 2.Encourage shared waste systems that are managed by professionals and encourage new technologies and approaches that improve pollutant removal efficiency. 3.Closed depressions shall not be developed, drained or filled, nor shall closed depressions be used for the dumping or storage of any substance, material or equipment. 4.Support and encourage urban and residential practices that conserve and infiltrate rain water, such as rain barrels, rain gardens, grassed swales, green roofs and pervious pavement. 5.Continue to support and fund proper disposal of household and agricultural hazardous waste at county collection programs and pharmaceuticals through local law enforcement programs. 6.Promote, educate and encourage proper well abandonment of private wells. 7.Promote, educate and encourage the adoption of city/village wellhead protection ordinances and include them in county land use policies and regulations. 8.Groundwater supply should be considered in decision making for activities that place a high demand on the local and regional aquifers, which could impact springs and cold water streams. 9.Increase awareness of activities impacting water quality by providing educational opportunities 10.Continue ongoing well-testing programs to develop scientifically sound data that would support land use policy regulations for agricultural operations, well water, and groundwater recharge zones. 11.This will be moved to Intergovernmental Cooperation Section and UCF. Surface Waters and Wetlands 12.Promote agricultural and land use practices, which protect surface and groundwater quality including proper erosion control, nutrient management and storm water management strategies and practices. 13.Encourage urban stormwater management opportunities to upgrade old systems, including urban retrofit and new Best Management Practices (BMPs). 14.Encourage rural towns to develop stormwater management plans and facilities. 15.All development in the county shall attain pre-development levels of stormwater runoff after development and must be contained on the development parcel. 16.Developments proposed near intermittent streams or dry runs, which typically flow during the spring and/or during storm events, shall be designed to prevent sediment and nutrients from entering into these streams. 17.Stormwater runoff as the result of development should not adversely impact shorelands, wetlands, closed depressions or other waterbodies. 18.The county will restrict all development or re-development within the 100-year floodplain and identified dam breach inundation areas. 19.All wetlands within the shoreland area of a stream, lake or pond; other wetlands at least one acre in size; or any wetland associated with a closed depression shall not be developed, drained or fill St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 132 of 270 20.Support and work with water quality planning groups. 21.Assist municipalities with adaptive management programs to meet surface water quality goals. 22.Partner with and support lake districts in implementation of Lake Management Plans. Shoreland and Streambank Protection 23.Promote shoreland buffers, streambank revegetation, setbacks, view corridors and other practices. 24.Promote owner stewardship of intermittent streams to prevent erosion so they function as groundwater recharge areas. 25.Provide technical assistance for conservation best management practices and promote the federal and state cost-share programs. 26.Develop and disseminate information and education on the issues, impacts and solutions related to shoreland and streambank protection. 27.The county will continue to implement the provisions of the St. Croix Riverway Master Plan, including the county's St. Croix Riverway Zoning District. Natural Communities, Open Space & Environmental Corridors 28.Inform and educate citizens about conservation easements, native species, environmental corridors, wildlife conservation programs, and the impact of development on natural resources. 29.Educate and work with property owners, developers and other organizations and agencies about options to manage open land, protect high-value habitat and natural communities, and create opportunities for habitat protection. 30.Support conservation design subdivisions and other techniques that preserve open space, sensitive areas and environmental corridors, such as the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area. 31.Educate and assist landowners in the protection of open space and environmental corridors. 32.The county will encourage the restoration of prairie or grassland ecosystems through cooperative efforts with the state, federal and non-profit agencies, and landowners in the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area. 33.Promote Conservation Design to preserve environmentally sensitive lands. 34.Accommodate municipal Transfer of Development Rights programs to preserve agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands. 35.New development should preserve on- site native prairie remnants. 36.Development occurring entirely or partially within primary or secondary environmental corridors standards. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 133 of 270 37.Development occurring within or near independent environmental resources shall incorporate those resources into the development rather than harm or destroy them. 38.Educate, monitor and prevent the establishment of invasive species within recreational areas throughout the County. 39.Work with county, state and federal agencies to monitor and educate regarding disease risks to human and animal health. Wildlife Habitat & Nature-Based Recreation 40.Support access to open space areas in the County, encourage connections between areas and expand knowledge of these resources and their availability for nature-based recreation. 41.Support development of nature-based recreation that provides local recreation and tourism. 42.Develop County owned properties for nature based recreational activities. 43.Non-Metallic Mining 44.Recognize high-value mineral resources and encourage conservation. 45.Educate the public and elected officials about issues and impacts related to non-metallic mining and processing by utilizing the county website and other social media. 46.Additional studies on noise, traffic, real estate value, air quality and groundwater impacts may be needed for site-specific non-metallic mineral extraction and processing. Renewable Energy 47.Encourage renewable energy resources on a small-scale basis to serve residential properties. 48.Evaluate large scale renewable energy proposals for impacts to local surface and groundwater resources; evaluate and require reclamation (financial guarantee) for operations under 100 megawatts and request the Public Service Commission require reclamation (financial guarantee) for operations of 100 megawatts or more St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 134 of 270 T RANSPORTATION St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 135 of 270 Transportation Vision St. Croix County has an efficient, economical, comprehensive, multi-modal transportation network that includes on-demand transit available between all villages and cities. St. Croix County consistently maintains and improves the county road system to meet identified needs. The County has worked with St. Croix municipalities to identify safe roads to establish bike lanes. The County works with municipalities to plan for residential growth and transportation access in tandem. The County is exploring options to provide and adapt to individual transportation choices including various modes of mass transit in addition to bike and pedestrian options. County residents are utilizing the new St. Croix River Crossing from Houlton to Stillwater. Local and county land use plans and ordinances address existing and future land uses related to the crossing. Transportation routes are efficient and well-planned providing good connections between St. Croix River bridges and the rest of the county. Introduction Transportation facilities have a significant influence on land use, development, and quality of life for County residents. This section includes a review of transportation facilities found in St. Croix County, including highways, rail, airports, bike facilities, pedestrian facilities, and transit. Transportation types primarily off- road and recreational in nature, such as snowmobile, ATV, and hiking trails, are not discussed in this section, but can be found in the community facilities and natural resources sections. St. Croix County, its local municipalities, and the State of Wisconsin together provide nearly the entire roadway infrastructure for inter-county movements, intra-city movements, and the demands of new growth. This road system also allows the movement of buses, bicycles, and pedestrians. A well-maintained and planned transportation system can aid in economic development, support a variety of land uses, provide links among community facilities, and facilitate the provision of various public and emergency services. -developed and maintained, and serves automobile users particularly well, though traffic volumes are increasing over much of the County. The availability of other modes of transportation such as transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities may need to be modified as more people use these modes out of necessity, environmental concerns, convenience, or for health reasons. Key to the future of transportation in and around St. Croix County over the next several decades are increasing commuter traffic, aging of the population, the rising cost of operating a vehicle, and changing technology. Chapter Topics 1.Transportation Issues and Opportunities 2.Modes of Transportation: Roads, highways and bridges, bicycle and pedestrian, transit, railroads, air and water 3.Safety 4.Commuting Patterns 5.Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Status 6.Transportation Plans and Programs 7.Goals & Objectives St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 136 of 270 Transportation Issues and Opportunities Findings and Issues 1.Traffic volumes in St. Croix County have been generally increasing, and numerous improvements have been made or are planned. 2. highway in the State of Wisconsin, with 83,400 vehicles per day at the St. Croix River bridge in 2022. 3.According to Wisconsin Traffic Operations & Safety Laboratory, most crashes occur on state highways. 4.Fatal crashes have decreased from 20 in 1998 to 9 in 2022. 5.Crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians have fluctuated from 1998-2022, with the most bicycle crashes occurring in 2010 (10) and the most pedestrian crashes in 2011 (18). 6.Crash data reveals a consistent increase in crashes since 1998 with exceptions in 2009 and 2020, most likely attributed to less traffic during the great recession and the pandemic. 7.In recent years, the level of service at numerous intersections has been on a consistent decline. This decline in service quality raises concerns about traffic flow, safety, and overall efficiency in various areas. 8.There are 1,952 miles of public road in St. Croix County, under the jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin, St. Croix County, or local governments. 9.There are over 320 bridges in St. Croix County; at any time about five percent are classified as either functionally obsolete or structurally deficient. This does not mean that they are unsafe for travel. 10.The St. Croix County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, was adopted in 2017. This plan includes a suitability analysis, bicycle system recommendations, and a review of existing local bike plans. 11.Two active rail lines transverse the CountyUnion Pacific railroad and Wisconsin Central Limited. No passenger service is available, though such service is being evaluated by WisDOT and promoted by local advocacy groups. 12.St. Croix County has one public airportNew Richmond Regional Airportwhich is the fifth largest municipal airport in Wisconsin and averages 120 flights per day. Opportunities 1.The availability of other modes of transportation such as transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities may need to be modified as more people use these modes out of necessity, environmental concerns, convenience, or for health reasons. 2.Key to the future of transportation in and around St. Croix County over the next several decades is increasing commuter traffic, aging of the population, the rising cost of operating a vehicle and changing technology. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 137 of 270 Modes of Transportation The main mode of transportation in St. Croix County is roads and highways. This section includes information regarding all modes of transportation: Roads, highways and bridges, bicycle and pedestrian, transit, railroads, air transportation and water transportation. St. Croix County Transportation System Map The following map was gathered from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website in October 2023. The map shows highways, roads, railroads, state trails, dams, hospitals, airports, public facilities and parks in St. Croix County. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 138 of 270 Roads, Highways, and Bridges St. Croix County Highway Department The St. Croix County Highway Department has a five-year plan, currently extending through 2027 that identifies upcoming road maintenance and construction projects. This plan is a guide to reach road improvement goals. These projects are specifically for county roads. The Highway Department utilizes innovative and outside funding sources such as a County Vehicle Registration Fee and state and federal funding programs to fund highway maintenance and improvements. For further information contact the St. Croix Highway Department. The Highway Department fulfills its responsibilities to maintain the safety and convenience of the County and State trunk highway systems, by performing both general and winter maintenance. The Highway Department performs road construction along with pavement resurfacing (blacktopping), bridge and culvert installation. The Highway Department maintains and repairs numerous Park and Ride lots and waysides on the State trunk highway system. To effectively accomplish these activities, the Highway Department maintains seven storage and maintenance facilities at various locations; the main shop is in Baldwin with outlying shops in Hudson, Houlton, Somerset, Deer Park, Glenwood City and STH 128 (Cady). Maintenance activities include: Patching, Crack filling & seal coating of pavement, Shoulder maintenance, Vegetation control, Bridge & culvert maintenance, Litter & trash pickup, Guard rail installation and repair, Signing, Pavement marking, and Traffic Control. The St. Croix County Highway Department is responsible for the snow and ice removal of approximately 700 lane miles (350 centerline miles) of County Trunk Highways and an additional 600 lane miles of State Highways through contract with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The Highway Department also assists local units of government with snow removal which includes approximately an additional 2,400 lane miles (1,200 centerline miles) of snow removal. Snow removal activities may occur any time of the day or night and likely requires overtime by the Highway Department personnel. Careful planning and preparation must be done prior to the winter season to ensure the safe and efficient snow removal throughout St. Croix County. Other winter maintenance duties include: installation and removal of snow fence, application of sand and salt, plowing, shoveling and hauling snow. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 139 of 270 Road Function, Jurisdiction, and Access St. Croix County is served by 1,952 miles (2023) of roads under state, county and local jurisdiction. Major north/south highways include WIS 35, WIS 65, US 63, and WIS 128. Interstate Highway 94, US 12, and WIS 64 are major east/west highways. St. Croix County is directly on the Interstate 94 corridor, the principal arterial between Minneapolis-St. Paul and destinations to the south and east, such as Milwaukee and Chicago. Traffic on the Eau Claire-Hudson portion of the Interstate, which runs through St. Croix County, has been growing significantly. This stretch of Interstate 94 experiences traffic volumes over 80,000 vehicles a day and is the second most-traveled segment of interstate highway in the State of Wisconsin. Road Functional Classification Functional classification groups highways and streets according to the character of service they are intended to provide, ranging from a high degree of travel mobility to land access functions. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) uses functional classification for the following three purposes. Functional Classification Purposes: For general transportation planning When referencing highway and street construction standards To determine eligibility for the rural or urban surface transportation program The Functional Classification Map below is provided by WI Department of Transportation showing the following road classifications: Principal Arterial, Minor Arterial, Major Collector, Minor Collector, Minor Collector classified using small community criteria and Local. Highway Jurisdiction authority. St. Croix County Highway Department in partnership with WisDOT has developed and updated Jurisdictional Studies periodically. Evaluations of various criteria are utilized in determining the jurisdiction of highways. The study recommends possible jurisdictional transfers that best match the jurisdiction of the roads to their function. For example, if a state highway is functioning more as a county road, then the highway should be considered for transfer to the county to be managed as a county road. Likewise, if a county road is functioning more as a state highway, then the road should be considered for a transfer to be managed by WisDOT, the same is true for county to town and town to county considerations. Ideally, depending upon location specific conditions and variables, all roads classified as local roads would be under town jurisdiction, all roads classified as collector roads would be under county jurisdiction and all roads classified as arterial roads would be under state jurisdiction. Transferring roads to the proper jurisdiction allows that jurisdiction to focus limited resources more effectively and improve road safety. The possible jurisdictional transfers proposed in the Jurisdictional Study should take place over time as opportunities present themselves and the transfers should be based upon a mutual agreement between the affected governmental entities as covered under Wisconsin Statute Chapter 66 - intergovernmental agreements. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 140 of 270 St. Croix County Road Functional Classification Map St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 141 of 270 Access Management Access management includes planning the number and location of driveways on roadways. This practice helps maintain safe and efficient traffic movement on roadways, and access to and from property, particularly in more urban areas. Road function and safety WisDOT employs five types of access control authorized by state statutes. They are referred to as Wisconsin Statutes (Wis. Stats.) 84.09, 84.25, 84.29, 84.295 and 86.07. A short summary of the state statutes follows, but it should be noted that the actual content of the statutes is significantly more detailed, and many special conditions and provisions are not included in this text. The type of access control that is imposed on various highway road segments influences how that segment is managed. Wis. Stats. 84.09 (purchase access control) WisDOT acquires land by gift, devise, purchase or condemnation to establish, extend or improve transportation facilities. Wis. Stats. 84.25 (administrative access control) WisDOT designates some rural portions of the state trunk highway system as controlled-access highways where studies show that the potential exists for traffic volumes to exceed 2,000 vehicles per 24-hour day. Wis. Stats. 84.29 (interstate control) WisDOT designates highways as interstates with Federal Highway concurrence. Wis. Stats. 84.295 (freeway and expressway access control) WisDOT designates highways with greater than 4,000 vehicles per day as freeways or expressways when it is determined that the volume and character of traffic warrants the construction or acquisition of right-of-way to accommodate a four-lane highway. Wis. Stats 86.07 (driveway permitting) WisDOT requires permits for work on any right-of-way or other access to a state highway. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 142 of 270 Total Road Miles As stated above, St. Croix County is served by 1,952 miles of roads under state, county, and local jurisdiction. In 2016, approximately 192 miles were State jurisdiction, 334 miles were County jurisdiction, and 1,425 miles are Town, Village, or City). Road Miles by Jurisdiction The graph and table below Jurisdiction 2009 Miles2009%2016 Miles2016% show road miles by jurisdiction State 204.110.6%191.589.8% 2009-2016 comparison. Local County 17.6%17.1% 338.17334.43 road miles increased by 41.58 Towns 1,118.6558.1%1,135.3258.2% (2.4%) from 2009-2016. The increased road miles are town, Villages 107.135.6%113.315.8% city and village. Cities 156.98.2%177.369.1% Total1.00 1.00 1,925 1,952 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 143 of 270 Traffic Volume As shown in the table below, traffic volumes generally increased from 2006-2012. From 2012 to 2022 the increases continued with some decreases most likely due to the COVID pandemic that facilitated reduced commuting through working from home options. In some cases, a particul show a decline when alternative routes are constructed or improved. The most current traffic counts can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. Source: Wisconsin Highway Traffic Volume Data, WisDOT -- #denotes 1999 counts, *denotes 2001 counts, +denotes counts from previous cycle or nearest year St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 144 of 270 Designated Truck Routes/Agricultural Equipment Truck routes are designed to accommodate semi-trucks and include roadside accommodations at rest areas for temporary parking. Long truck routes also often include private truck parking and fueling stations along the routes. The following highways are designated as long truck routes in St. Croix County: Interstate 94 (all) US 63 (all) WIS 35 (River Falls to Hudson) WIS 64 (New Richmond to east) WIS 65 (River Falls to New Richmond) WIS 128 (WIS 29 to WIS 170/Glenwood City) WIS 170 (WIS 128 to Boyceville) These additional highways, or portions thereof, are restricted truck routes, such as US 12, WIS 29, and parts of WIS 35, 64, 65, 79, and 128. No County highways are designated truck routes. Agricultural equipment for farming needs to utilize state, county and town roads to access fields. Operating farm vehicles on Wisconsin roads involves a specific set of regulations, safety and other requirements. Specific rules regarding length, height and width of agricultural equipment; driver requirements; hazardous materials; safety and vehicle registration; and weight restrictions can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. Farmers are not exempt from highway weight restrictions except during harvest time. Wisconsin Statutes §348.17(5) annually lifts weight limits on Class A highways from September 1 to November 30 to harvest corn, soybeans, potatoes, vegetables or cranberries. The law allows weight limits to be exceeded by up to 15 percent for transport from farm field to initial storage or initial processing point. Farmers must meet all other vehicle requirements for size, operation and driver qualifications, and cannot travel on roadways or bridges with special weight restrictions or on most interstates. Equipment operators are encouraged to drive in a courteous, law-abiding manner and respect local weight limits whenever possible. Non- utilize roadways, follow safe passing signs and also drive in a courteous and law-abiding manner. Farm- equipment signage for areas with the greatest use would be helpful in warning vehicles of possible slow- moving or parked equipment on highways. Education and information access are also important. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 145 of 270 Rustic Roads System The Rustic Roads System in Wisconsin was created by the 1973 state legislature to help citizens and local units of government preserve what remains of Wisconsin's scenic, lightly traveled country roads for the leisurely enjoyment of bikers, hikers and motorists. Unique brown and yellow signs mark the routes of all officially designated Rustic Roads. These routes provide casual travel through some of Wisconsin's scenic countryside. All Rustic Roads remain under local jurisdiction and are eligible for the same state aid as other public highways. The Rustic Roads map below shows Rustic Roads in St. Croix County as of July 12, 2023 provided by Wisconsin Department of Transportation online interactive map. Rustic Roads in St. Croix County 1.Two Rustic Roads are located around the Glen Hills Park area including: R-3 follows the western edge of the wooded Glen Hills County Park and area farmland for 3.6 miles and R-4 borders the east side of the County Park for 4.6 miles. 2.Rustic Road R-13 passes through hilly terrain across the scenic Willow River. This route meanders along Trout Brook Road for three miles through heavily wooded areas and past several artesian wells. 3.Rustic Road R-103 travels 2.8 miles through St. Croix and Polk counties. It includes portions of 230th Avenue, Marine Road, County Line Avenue and Polk/St. Croix Road through the Town of Somerset in St. Croix County and the Town of Farmington in Polk County. This route leads to the historic Somerset Landing - a river access point in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway that features a boat launch. R-103 features sandstone bluff outcroppings, tree canopies, and prairie and farm views. A snowmobile route crosses Polk/St. Croix Road and a marked bike route connects to R-103 at 40th Street. Additional information is available on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. 4.Rustic Road R-116: 140th Avenue, from County A to 120th Street. On R-116, travelers will see oak trees interspersed with wetlands and agricultural vistas. Ten Mile Creek parallels the road for much of its length providing travelers with water views visible from the road. There are several publicly-owned wildlife areas devoted to waterfowl production and habitat protection making this a popular destination for waterfowl viewing. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 146 of 270 Commuter Services The map below shows the locations of park- and-ride facilities in St. Croix County. Existing park and ride lots for cars and van pools are located to provide connections for commuter transit to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area. Wisconsin DOT Rideshare program is a free service provided by the State of Wisconsin to connect people to carpool and bicycle commute solutions. To access Rideshare carpooling program online visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. Park and Ride Facilities The following table and graph show the Park and Ride Facilities and number of stalls in St. Croix County. The 2009 data was gathered from the 2012 plan and the 2023 data was gathered from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. St. Croix County Park-and-Ride Facilities# of Stalls 20092023 1Baldwin (I-94/US 63)3633 2Forest (US 63/WIS 64) - Cylon 4-corners2415 3Hammond (I-94/County T)86 459 5Hudson (I-94/County F/Carmichael Rd.)168166 6River Falls (WIS 35/WIS 65)124124 7Roberts (I-94/WIS 65)48116 8Southeast (SE) of Hudson (South of I-94/WIS 35)7474 9New Richmond (STH 65/Airport)30 Sources: 2012 Plan-2009 data, WisDOT-2023 data St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 147 of 270 Road Names For Federal, State, and County roadways, the abbreviated designations identify the entity that has jurisdiction of that facility: Interstate Highways (I), United States Highways (USH), State Trunk Highways (STH), and County Trunk Highway (CTH). Local roads are named in conjunction with the County under the Land Division Ordinance Chapter 13. The County does not have jurisdiction over road names in cities and villages. There are several areas of the county where address and road name duplication have created confusing and hard-to-find situations. In these locations emergency vehicles are delayed in arriving at properties while clarification and additional site information is ascertained. Existing and potential problems with road names and addresses should be further discussed to find solutions which will improve emergency response times and create safer situations for property owners. In 2023, the County adopted Chapter 37 Uniform Addressing and Road Naming System, County Code of Ordinances relevant to addressing standards and road names. The new ordinance is in response to the issues identified in the previous plan process. Planned Highway Projects Various construction projects are programmed for the State highways and roads in St. Croix County. To view the project lists visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website or St. Croix County website. St. Croix River Crossing The 2012 plan featured the Wisconsin Department of Transportation planned St. Croix River Crossing bridge project. Since the adoption of the 2012 comprehensive plan, the St. Croix River Crossing was constructed and opened in August 2017. The St. Croix Crossing is a beautiful and unique bridge that spans the St. Croix River, between Oak Park Heights, Minnesota (Hwy 36) and St. Joseph, Wisconsin (Hwy 64) with a total length of 4,660 feet (1,420 m). The impacts of the project are evident in the transportation data in this section including the increase in annual average daily traffic and in other sections of the plan including housing and economic development. The completion of the bridge allows safer, faster, and more convenient vehicle transportation between the St. Croix County and the Twin Cities. State Current Projects Wisconsin Department of Transportation administers an online construction project webpage. The site includes weekly construction updates, interactive map and other links to project information. State transportation projects are categorized by region. St. Croix County is within the Northwest region. Transportation Studies The Wisconsin Department of Transportation maintains plans and studies for future highway projects in St. Croix County. For information on these projects please visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. St. Croix County is in the process of conducting a safety plan. The plan will include a systematic assessment of safety improvements. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 148 of 270 Bridges Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) generally defines a bridge as any structure spanning 20 feet or more that carries motor vehicle traffic. The table below displays the ownership of bridges in St. Croix County. State and local bridges are inspected at least once every two years. WisDOT is responsible for inspections of all bridges along the state highway system. Municipalities handle inspections for bridges along the local roadway system. WisDOT and local governments follow federal guidelines in their bridge inspection and maintenance procedures. Bridges are rated and categorized in terms of their functional and structural situation. The St. Croix County Highway Department inspects the bridges and monitors the sufficiency rating of all the bridges on the county and town road systems as the Highway Department has statutory oversight of the County Aid Town Road Bridge Program. Wisconsin Department of Transportation Road and bridge assistance programs are described on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. Towns Bridges are designed and rehabilitated or replaced on the county and local system when the sufficiency rating, based on bi-annual inspections, qualifies the structure for federal rehabilitation or replacement funding. This results in an average of one or two major bridge projects a year on the county and/or town system. Constructing a crossing over a navigable waterway requires a WI Department of Natural Resources permit in most cases. Waterway crossing project types include: bridges, fords, culverts, temporary in- stream crossing for forest management, and utility crossing. Villages Cities St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 149 of 270 Bicycling and Pedestrian Facilities The St. Croix County 2017 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was adopted on May 2, 2017 by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors. Some notable county active transportation amenities include the St. Croix Crossing bridge that features a bicycle and pedestrian trail and the historic lift bridge exclusively carries bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The County planned and pursued funding for the construction of the loop trail (Completed 2018) that connects the two bridges on both sides of the river, effectively linking northern St. Croix County to the Twin Cities. The following map shows recommendations from the 2017 County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Highways can be barriers to the movement of pedestrian traffic from residential to commercial areas or other destinations, such as schools. With increasing traffic volumes on most highways, the potential for pedestrian- vehicle accidents is increasing. It is common for new school buildings to be built on the outskirts of communities, where land is more plentiful and less expensive, but it may be difficult or dangerous for students to walk or bike to school. A federal program, Safe Routes to School, is available to assist communities with planning, infrastructure improvements, enforcement, and education to make walking and biking to school safer, and to encourage students to do so. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 150 of 270 Transit Some bus service is provided to the region along Interstate Highway 94. According to Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) bus routes map below, it looks like Greyhound, Flixbus, Coach USA and Megabus have bus routes between Menominee and Minneapolis / St. Paul. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 151 of 270 Passenger Rail and Bus No passenger rail service is currently available in St. Croix County. The West Central WI Rail Coalition advocates for passenger rail service from Eau Claire to Twin Cities. The Coalition website states the need for passenger rail to ensure future economic competitiveness of the region. An interline bus (Amtrak Thruway) connection travels through the county on Highway I-94, to the train station in Minneapolis-St. Paul (See map below). The nearest Wisconsin interline bus stop is in Menomonie, Dunn County. Wisconsin is served by two Amtrak routes: The Hiawatha Service, a corridor service operating seven round trips a day (6 on Sunday) between Chicago and Milwaukee The Empire Builder, a long-distance train operating one round trip a day between Chicago and Seattle/Portland St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 152 of 270 Van Transportation Services St. Croix County Department of Aging and Disability Resource Center maintains a fleet of vans that provide demand responsive service for seniors and those with disabilities. The State-County Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance program provides counties with financial assistance to provide transportation services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. For more information visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. The following graph shows Village only van trip data, select years, from 2005-2022 revealing a decrease in van trips. The following table shows all available van trip data for villages and cities from 2005-2022. St. Croix County Van Transportation Services Cities 200520082016201720182019202020212022 Glenwood City21342108n/a936806792196114346 Hudson379643007792644854105490157410744046 New Richmond9068366810832694648303068556761094 Villages Baldwin1774156484261648484639874220 Deer Park1428336052011211011676116 Hammond/Roberts45099316615811412011676114 Somerset22601042186134248796356516968 Woodville2784295050820637615812874148 Total22,28016,90820,68615,96412,38011,3803,4402,0807,052 Source: 2005-2008 from 2012 Plan and 2017-2021 St. Croix County Department of Aging and Disability Resource Center. Data Considerations: St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 153 of 270 Railroads Rail service is an important component of the local economic market. Many industries prefer to have direct access to rail service. Rail service in St. Croix County is provided by two railroads, Canadian National (CN) Railroad and Union Pacific (UP) Railroad, as shown in the map below. The Canadian National (CN) Railroad operates the former Milwaukee Road/Soo Line, a branch line that provides shipper connections in Minnesota and to the east for the communities of Somerset and New Richmond. The CP traverses the towns of Glenwood, Emerald, Cylon, Erin Prairie, Star Prairie, Richmond, and Somerset. Utilizing a railroad spur, the train makes two stops at: 1) Cylon at the Precision Ag fertilizer plant for freight deliveries on a request basis, and 2) Rail terminal just west of the city of New Richmond for "an automotive compound for finished vehicles and an intermodal container terminal to serve intermodal shippers and receivers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area." (Source: CN website) The Union Pacific (UP) Railroad operates the former Chicago-Northwestern (CNW) mainline between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Chicago. This line travels through the towns of Springfield, Baldwin, Hammond, Warren and Hudson and serves the communities of Hudson, Roberts, Baldwin, Hammond, Woodville and Wilson. The mainline connections of the UP route between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Chicago will continue to ensure rail service to communities along this route. The availability of service provided by the regional CP rail line is dependent upon the level of shipping generated by individual communities along this route and by access to larger rail systems to the west and east. The Soo Line High Bridge is a railroad steel deck arch bridge over the St. Croix River between Stillwater, Minnesota and Somerset, Wisconsin. It was built by the American Bridge Company from 1910 to 1911. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 for its national significance in the themes of engineering and transportation. It was nominated for its exceptional dimensions, beauty, innovative engineering techniques, and importance to transportation between Minnesota and Wisconsin. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 154 of 270 Air Transportation The nearest scheduled air passenger service and air freight connections are available at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The MSP International Airport is located approximately 45 miles to the southwest and is the 16th busiest airport in the U.S. It offers scheduled passenger service and serves as an air cargo feeder for air freight shipments. Lake Elmo, MN airport is located approximately 17 miles southwest. The New Richmond Regional Airport is the only public airport located in St. Croix County. The airport is owned by the City of New Richmond and operated by a seven-member airport commission. It is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 20212025, in which it is categorized as a local general aviation facility. The airport has two runways and houses about 220 aircrafts based in privately owned hangars. The airport serves an estimated 175,000 people in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. A number of projects for the New Richmond Regional Airport (NRRA) are included in the WisDOT Airport Improvement Plan 2020-2025. State statutes allow the City of New Richmond to utilize its zoning ordinance and building code authority to regulate land use, construction standards and structure height in areas within a three-nautical-mile radius from the NRRA. Specific information on the height limitation The airport is focused on meeting and anticipating the business and recreational aviation needs of the region. At the time of this plan, the airport was in the beginning stages of developing an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated master plan scheduled to be completed in late 2024. The FAA requires airports to have master plans in order to be eligible for FAA grants. Typically, the FAA funds 90% of airport infrastructure projects with the remaining 10% divided between the airport and the state. The plan will include: An inventory of existing facilities and users and forecasts for future use. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 155 of 270 Water Transportation There is no significant passenger or freight water transportation in St. Croix County. The nearest commercial port is in Duluth-Superior on Lake Superior located approximately 100 miles north and barge traffic does not extend up the St. Croix River from the Mississippi River (See map below). Water transportation within the County is primarily recreational in nature (e.g., canoeing, fishing, water-skiing) occurring throughout the County on its many rivers and lakes, with some larger recreational boats and sailboats on Lake St. Croix. Paddlewheel and other riverboat excursions are also available along the St. Croix River for sight-seeing and dinner cruises. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 156 of 270 Safety The table and graphs below show St. Croix County crash data from 1998-2022 by road classification, accident severity, and crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians. According to Wisconsin Traffic Operations & Safety Laboratory, most crashes occur on state highways. Fatal crashes have decreased from 20 in 1998 to 9 in 2022. Crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians have fluctuated from 1998-2022, with the most bicycle crashes occurring in 2010 (10) and the most pedestrian crashes in 2011 (18). Since 1998, the number of pedestrian crashes is usually greater than the number of bicycle crashes with exceptions in 1999, 2000, 2006, and 2019. The data reveals a consistent increase in crashes since 1998 with exceptions in 2009 and 2020, most likely attributed to less traffic during the great recession and the pandemic. St. Croix County Crash History 1998-2022 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 157 of 270 Crash Comparison 2015-2020 The following graph shows a comparison of State and County total crashes 2015-2020. The data reveals that St. Croix County follows a similar pattern as State of Wisconsin in the rising number of crashes from 2015 2019. Similarly, both the State and County experienced reduced number of crashes in 2020. The decrease in crashes in 2020 was most likely attributed to the global pandemic and reduced vehicle trips. Crash Data by Class 2008-2022 The following graph shows the number of crashes by highway class 2008-2022. The majority of crashes occurred on RSTH, Rural state highways. R CITY = City street rural R CTH = County trunk rural R IH = Interstate highway rural R STH = State highway rural R TOWN = Town road rural U CITY = City street urban U CTH = County trunk urban U IH = Interstate highway urban U STH = State highway urban St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 158 of 270 Total Crashes by Highway Type 1998-2022 The graph below shows County total crashes by 3 highway types including State, County and Local. According to Traffic Operations and Safety (TOPS) Laboratory, most crashes occur on State and Local roads. Crashes by Accident Severity 1998-2022 The graph below shows County crashes by accident severity 1998-2022. According to Wisconsin Traffic Operations & Safety Laboratory, fatal crashes have decreased from 1998 (20) to 2022 (9). Recent technologies in automobile construction and medical treatments have attributed to some of the reduction. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 159 of 270 Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes 1998-2022 The following graph shows the number of bicycle and pedestrian crashes in the County 1998-2022. According to Wisconsin Traffic Operations & Safety Laboratory, crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians have fluctuated from 1998-2022, with the most bicycle crashes occurring in 2010 (10) and the most pedestrian crashes in 2011 (18). efforts and implementation of the 1995 and 2008 plans included installing bike route signs, identifying low- previous and current bicycle and pedestrian plans and initiatives help to reduce the number of crashes and increase the quality of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the county. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 160 of 270 Commuting Patterns St. Croix County is located in close is recognized in the Wisconsin Department of Transportation connections plan economic analysis (See map below). Regional economies span cities, counties and states. These economies link businesses and industries through shared labor, and transportation networks provide important connections between economy and transportation system: the Minneapolis/St. Paul and Chicago metropolitan areas. These areas generate significant freight traffic and worker flow into and out of Wisconsin. The commuting patterns of time to work and place of work are analyzed in this sub-section to identify transportation trends that impact the county and state economies. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 161 of 270 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Status A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is defined in federal transportation legislation and is designated as the local decision-making body that is responsible for carrying out the metropolitan transportation planning process. A metropolitan planning organization is an organization of primarily local elected officials who provide a forum for local decision-making on transportation issues of a regional nature. 1.MPO required urbanized area with a population greater than 50,000 people, defined in the most recent decennial Census. 2.MPO is designated by the Wisconsin Secretary of Transportation on behalf of the Governor and is organized pursuant to Sections 62.11(5), 60.28(41), 59.97(1), and 16.54(6) of the Wisconsin Statutes 3.County MPO Designation: a.Based on Census data, St. Croix and Pierce counties are part of the Combined Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) b.MSA includes central core Urbanized Area (UZA) and surrounding areas Urban Clusters (UC) based on Census block and block group density c.I n 2010, St. Croix County the City of Hudson, Village of North Hudson and part of the Town of Hudson are included in the Stillwater Area Urban Cluster d.After each decennial census, if designated as part of a UC a community may pursue MPA and MPO participation. The closest MPO in Wisconsin is the Eau Claire-Chippewa Falls MPO. e.After each decennial Census, advantages and disadvantages of having St. Croix and surrounding counties participate in an MPO should be discussed and options to pursue MPO designation evaluated. 4.MPO has a policy board and carries out the transportation plan for the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) which includes the UZA and the contiguous geographic areas likely to become urbanized within the 20-year forecast period 5.Funding for MPO transportation planning provided through federal, state and local funds 6.Purpose of MPO: continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive urban transportation planning that satisfies the conditions necessary for the receipt of federal transportation funding for capital, operating, and planning assistance 7.MPO develops and adopts an annual work program, and a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) listing the transportation projects programmed for next 5-years 8.Adoption of a long-range transportation/land use plan is also required, with updates every five years, maintaining a 20-year planning horizon. 9.MPO develops and adopts an annual work program, and a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) listing the transportation projects programmed for next 5-years 10.Benefits of MPO status include additional Federal and State funding. According to West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) the estimated 2024 annual additional funding for the Eau Claire-Chippewa Falls MPO is roughly $270K federal funding and roughly $12K State funding. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 162 of 270 Transportation Plans and Programs Federal Plans and Programs Federal investment can be drawn from several sources. Congress appropriates funding to USDOT and authorizes transportation programs based on national priorities. DOT and its operating administrations provide funding for these programs to invest in transportation infrastructure, safety, and innovation across the country. Types of Programs include: Discretionary Grant Funding Programs, Formula Grant Funding Programs, Loan Financing Programs, Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). More information at US Department of Transportation State Plans and Programs 1.Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) Plan 2050 (Connections 2050) 2.WI DOT four-year Statewide Transportation Improvement Program 3.WI DOT Access Management State Statutes 4.Wisconsin State Airport System Plan 5.Wisconsin Bicycle Transportation Plan 6.WI DOT Pedestrian Policy Plan 7.WI DOT Adopt-A-Highway Program 8.WI DOT Information System for Local Roads (WISLR) 9.WI DOT Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) - Town plan to DOT for funding 10.WI DOT Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) Program 11.Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) trails program 12.Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 13.Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WI DOT) Traffic Analysis, Modeling & Data Management program area sets policy to ensure consistent implementation of traffic analysis modeling, traffic impact analyses (TIA), and intersection control evaluations (ICE) within Wisconsin in order to provide the basis for a comprehensive analysis of needs of the existing and future highways. Regional and Local Plans and Programs 1.St. Croix County Transportation Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) plan 2.St. Croix County Highway Department 5-year plan 2022-2026 3.West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWPRC) Transportation 4.Specialized Transportation and Transit Providers p St. Croix County Aging and Disability Resource Center p New Freedom Program Center for Independent Living for Western Wisconsin . St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 163 of 270 Goals & Objectives Goal 1: Maintain high quality county highways in a safe sustainable and efficient manner. Objectives: 1.1 Support multiple modes of transportation, appropriately address user conflicts, protect our resources, and improve the quality of life of residents through the planning and development of transportation projects, facilities, and policies. 1.2 Consider freight rail, passenger rail, and airports as important parts of our transportation network. 1.3 Continue to strive for a safe, accident-free transportation network. 1.4 Integrate the county and local road system with planned federal and state highway improvements for an efficient road network. 1.5 Manage the overall road system with a variety of techniques to maintain capacity at or above projected traffic volumes and limit traffic congestion. 1.6 Control access throughout the county road system to ensure the access, mobility and safety of affected road segments. 1.7 Continue to foster and support the economic goals of our county in the planning and development of our transportation system. 1.8 Support the various fuel supply systems to support the required energy necessary to fuel future transportation systems. Goal 2: Provide neighborhoods and communities in our county that are efficiently connected with each other and the region, moving people and freight through a variety of transportation modal options. Objectives: 2.1 Integrate alternative transportation modes, as appropriate, including pedestrian, biking, ride- share, transit, freight rail, passenger rail, and airports etc., as an important part of services. 2.2 Integrate the planning and design of major transportation facilities and surrounding land uses to protect the functionality and safety of the transportation improvements and to develop sound land use patterns. 2.3 Encourage intergovernmental cooperation, at all appropriate levels, and planning as crucial to ensuring a connected, consistent, safe, accessible, and effective transportation network. 2.4 Work with local communities and state and federal agencies to implement the St. Croix County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. 2.5 Provide for the safe and efficient movement of commercial freight and long-haul truck traffic through St. Croix County and local municipalities. Goal 3: St. Croix County will work to maintain, sustain, and enhance our multi-modal transportation infrastructure and services in an economical manner. Objectives: 3.1 including highways, railways, bike, pedestrian, transit, air and water systems. 3.2 Continue to develop and maintain a functional and jurisdictional classification system to ensure overall highway system performance. 3.4 Explore alternative funding sources for the maintenance and enhancement of our transportation network. 3.5 Strive for consistency between transportation decisions and the provisions of all applicable short- and long-term land use and development plans, considering the effects of each on the other. 3.6 Strive to protect property values along transportation corridors. 3.7 Continue to support the New Richmond airport as an alternative transportation hub. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 164 of 270 Policies Intergovernmental Cooperation 1.The St. Croix County Transportation Committee will provide guidance and oversight to implementation of this plan. 2.The county will work with the local governments, neighboring counties and the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota to determine, and plan for, necessary improvements to the transportation system in St. Croix County. 3.In cooperation with WisDOT, MNDOT and other units of government the county will identify and preserve reasonably needed transportation corridors, to avoid future conflicts between land use and transportation needs. 4.The Transportation Committee and Highway Department will seek input from public stakeholders and other entities regarding transportation issues. 5.The county will continue to incorporate state standards for defining functional and jurisdictional classification of highways and consider jurisdictional transfers when appropriate. 6.The county will encourage the state to consider local planning findings, goals, objectives and policies when planning major transportation facilities. 7.The county will strive to maintain appropriate levels of service on highways under its jurisdiction and will encourage other jurisdictions to maintain adequate levels of service. 8.The county will coordinate and encourage regular, ongoing discussions between the county, towns, cities and villages on strategies and actions to correct and prevent road name and address duplication to improve emergency response time and service. 9.The county will work with economic development agencies on transportation issues. Highway 10.The St. Croix County Highway Department will continue to utilize programming, planning and budgeting to develop and update the multi-year highway improvement plan for the countytrunk system. 11.The St. Croix County Highway Department will continue to update its construction, maintenance and safety plan to guide the department in ongoing management of the countytrunk system. 12.Continue to utilize required federal, state, county and local standards, manuals and criteria for planning, inspection, evaluation and construction of roads and bridges. 13.Continue to follow Wisconsin statutes and federal, state, county and local standards, manuals and criteria when managing highway right-of-way encroachments and safety issues. 14.Continue to work with the St. Croix County Community Development Department in the development and enforcement of ordinances regulating driveways, highway setbacks, signage, access and safety issues. 15.Continue to work with the St. Croix County Development Department to consider developing and adopting an official map to assist in planning for, designating and protecting roadway corridors for planned road expansions and extensions. Commercial Freight/Agricultural Equipment 16.Truck routes should be on the most appropriate roads in order to minimize truck noise and safety impacts and reduce wear on roads that are not suited to heavy vehicle traffic while connecting to commercial activity centers. 17.Keep truck traffic and related industries on identified truck routes. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 165 of 270 18.Consider the commercial freight industry in the design of intersections and roads connecting to designated truck routes to support the freight industry. 19.Agricultural equipment will continue to utilize roadways and will likely continue to increase in size and width. Continue to work with the agricultural industry to allow for the transport of goods and protect county infrastructure. Rail 20.Encourage and support improved safety at rail crossings by implementing rail-crossing improvements when recommended by the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Railroads. 21.Work to promote the development of high-speed passenger rail service to western Wisconsin. Transit/Commuting 22.The county will stay informed and work with regional efforts to provide transit options to workers commuting from St. Croix County to the greater metropolitan centers. 23.The county, working through the Aging and Disability Resource Center, will continue to support and provide transportation services for elderly and disabled residents and explore opportunities to expand these services. 24.Continue to support and encourage park and ride lot and carpooling program development in appropriate locations. Bicycle/Pedestrian/All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV/UTV) 25.The county will continue to encourage implementation of the St. Croix County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. 26.The county will support small sections of county highways for use as ATV/UTV route connections. ATV/UTV routes can only be considered when traffic safety factors allow for the joint use of 27.The county will encourage the pursuit of grant funding opportunities for the construction of bicycle/pedestrian facilities. Air 28.The county will continue to promote and encourage use of federal and state funding to provide freight and passenger air services at the public and private air facilities. 29.The county will consider the commercial air passenger and freight industry in the design of intersections and roads connecting to the airport facilities. Multimodal 30.Encourage the establishment of sustainable local funding sources. 31.Conduct county-wide transportation planning activities in a comprehensive, highly coordinated fashion to maximize connectivity, efficiency, and integration in land use and development plans. 32.Consider all transportation modes in design, review and development and ordinance writing and updates. 33.Support carbon reduction tasks and pursue grant opportunities and update county fleet and facility improvements. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 166 of 270 E CONOMIC D EVELOPMENT St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 167 of 270 Economic Development Vision St. Croix County has innovative, productive, well-paying jobs in our municipalities and rural areas. St. Croix County has worked with cities, villages, and towns to guide commercial uses to areas where services are available. This discussion has happened with municipal cooperation. The County and local communities have developed strong ties and an understanding of the costs and benefits of economic development. That county-wide effort has resulted in identification of core businesses, key new food production and emerging industry clusters. The County has achieved high-end, value-added product processing that includes production, processing, packing and distribution that supports our strong fabrication, and agricultural sectors. Local businesses and our education facilities have worked together to supply knowledge workers to meet local skill demands. These activities have created a strong local economy. The County is able to benefit from technological advances to enhance its economic prosperity. Introduction WI State Statute 66.1001(1)(C) Contents of a comprehensive plan Economic development element. A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs to promote the stabilization, retention or expansion, of the economic base and quality employment opportunities in the local governmental unit, including an analysis of the labor force and economic base of the local governmental unit. The element shall assess categories or particular types of new businesses and industries that are desired by the local governmental unit. The element shall assess the local governmental unit's strengths and weaknesses with respect to attracting and retaining businesses and industries, and shall designate an adequate number of sites for such businesses and industries. The element shall also evaluate and promote the use of environmentally contaminated sites for commercial or industrial uses. The element shall also identify county, regional and state economic development programs that apply to the local governmental unit. Economic development as part of comprehensive planning is the process by which the St. Croix County community initiates and generates solutions to local economic problems. The primary purpose of economic development initiatives is to promote the stabilization, retention, or expansion of the economic base and to provide quality employment opportunities in the region. This includes assisting existing businesses, encouraging business expansion, and recruiting new businesses. Economic development can also include building a culture of trust and entrepreneurism, and strategically planning important capital improvements and related infrastructure expenditures. Such endeavors should be guided by the vision and goals in county plans to encourage efficiency and ensure a positive impact on the community. These efforts collectively build long-term economic capacity so the local economy is more self-sufficient and resilient. Successful economic development strengthens and diversifies local economies. In addition, local businesses may locate in close proximity to the primary industry that they support. These secondary or support businesses take advantage of economic spillovers of the primary industry. A local example of this is the close relationship between the existing agriculture and food processing industries. This information should also be considered in the context of the economic development programs, plans, and tools at work in St. Croix County and its communities which are identified below. This section relies heavily on data provided in the introduction, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource sections. As appropriate, this section refers back to the data in other sections instead of repeating them here. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 168 of 270 Economic Development Issues and Opportunities Findings, Issues, Strengths, Challenges 1.St. Croix County is in close proximity and has strong economic ties to the Twin Cities metropolitan area with an estimated 40% of the 2021 labor force working outside WI 2.The aging population of the labor force in the region and County is a significant concern with an increase in the median age from 2010 2020 (36.7 to 39.2) 3.Percent of 25+ year olds with High school graduate or higher increased 5% since 2000 4. 5.Northwood Technical College has a regional campus in New Richmond and Chippewa Valley Technical College has a campus in River Falls, and University of Wisconsin has a campus in River Falls 6. 7.-2020 8.Most industry wages remained stable and increased in the past decade 9. 10.As of October 2023, St. Croix County has 20 open environmentally contaminated sites 11.County has a strong road transportation network with Interstate 94, several State and Federal highways, and two St. Croix River crossings. The St. Croix River Crossing project replaced the Stillwater Lift Bridge with a new four-lane bridge that opened in 2017. 12.County has an economic development network and financial programs to help businesses grow and create jobs. 13.UW River Falls campus added a Science & Technology Innovation Center in 2023 14.St. Croix County has 24 large organizations that employ over 100 employees 15. infrastructure will need to improve and expand to meet future needs. 16.The high cost of living in parts of the County makes it less affordable for people to live and/or relocate here. 17.The Twin Cities area has a high selection of activities such as theaters and restaurants, and often is the destination for new graduates and younger professionals. The County is competing against the metropolitan area to attract businesses, highly educated and skilled employees, and the post-high school population. 18.County agricultural and natural resource land preservation is a priority and continues to be threatened by development. Economic activity should occur in areas that are accessible by multiple modes of transportation and located, designed, and developed to benefit the overall tax base, and be compatible with the rural nature of the community, and does not pose a threat to farmland, woodlands, surface water, nor groundwater. Opportunities 1.The education, health, agriculture, and tourism industries will continue to be significant. 2.As the baby boomer generation gets older, there will be a growing demand for goods and services tailored to their needs, which could create new economic opportunities. 3. corridor and proximity to the Twin Cities make it well positioned to retain existing businesses and attract new ones to relocate here. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 169 of 270 US Economic Trends The economy is always in flux, often occurring in cycles or periods of growth, prosperity, and expansion followed by periods of decline, contraction, or recession. There is no reliable methodology to predicting such cycles, and some economists argue that Leading economic indicators are based on certain economic activities which foreshadow a forthcoming economic change. The following chart shows the composite index of leading indicators between 2000 and August 2023 for United States. The Composite Index of Leading Indicators, otherwise known as the Leading Economic Index (LEI), is an index published monthly by . The Economic Index below is used to predict the direction of global economic movements in future months. The index is composed of 10 economic components whose changes tend to precede changes in the overall economy. Components include: average work week, overtime, job openings, new business starts, and unemployment compensation claims. The following composite index shows annual scores from 2000-2023. Negative scores show economic downturns between 2008-09 indicating the great recession, between 2019-20 during the pandemic and again between 2022-2023. US Leading Economic Index 2000-August 2023 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 170 of 270 Wisconsin Economy Forecasting the economy is difficult at best and such projections are based on historical economic fluctuations, current trends, and a variety of economic indicators. The Wisconsin Economic Outlook report issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue in August 2023 included the following indications and forecasts. 1.Wisconsin personal income increased 2.5% in 2022, with 8.0% growth in wages and salaries. The forecast anticipates nominal personal income growth of 5.0% in 2023 and 4.1% in 2024. High inflation rates yield a decline of 3.7% in real personal income in 2022 and expected growth of 1.1% in 2023. 2.Wages and salaries are expected to increase 5.0% in Wisconsin and 5.3% in the US in 2023, following growth of 8.0% and 8.8% in 2022, respectively. 3.The number of homes sold in 2022 were 14.4% below the number of sales in 2021. This decline continued in 2023, with sales through July falling 23.6%, compared to the same period in 2022. 4.Wisconsin total employment reached its pre-pandemic level in February of 2023, while private employment was at that level in September of 2022. US Total employment surpassed its pre- pandemic level by mid-2022. 5.Wisconsin employment is expected to grow 1.6% in 2023, then stay almost flat through 2026. The Wisconsin unemployment rate is expected to rise to 3.8% in 2026. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 171 of 270 Wisconsin Economic Development Strategy Wisconsin Tomorrow report outlines a comprehensive approach to economic development. The report includes strategies in the following topics: The COVID response and recovery, economic well- stability, educate everyone, support healthy living, reinforce community, infrastructure, respect the environment, and innovation. The report executive summary states the following. A strategy for investment, for economic recovery and for growth must draw upon the authentic Wisconsin ideal that everyone deserves an opportunity to prosper. That opportunity will no doubt come with challenges, with a need to persevere, and with a requirement to work hard and Wisconsinites should not be held back because of inequity or lack of access to infrastructure, health care or education. Central to this strategy is a comprehensive approach that promotes economic well-being providing the necessary support, which requires valuing all individuals and understanding their needs and their dreams. As we look forward, we must use the experience and knowledge gained from the COVID-19 pandemic to reinforce the elements of each -being their financial stability, their education and health, the infrastructure of the community they live in and their immediate environment to find gaps and opportunities so we know where to invest. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 172 of 270 State Occupation Employment Forecast The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (WDWD) produces occupation employment projections. The graph and table below show the long-term occupation employment projections to 2030. The top 5 projected occupations include: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Personal Care and Service Occupations, Healthcare Support Occupations, Transportation and Material Moving Occupations, and Architecture and Engineering Occupations. 7¨²¢®²¨ ,®¦ 4¤±¬ /¢¢´¯ ³¨® %¬¯«®¸¬¤³ 0±®©¤¢³¨®²ǾΑΏΑΏȃΑΏΒΏ 0±®©¤¢³¤£ %¬¯«®¸¬¤³ .´¬¤±¨¢ #§ ¦¤ 0¤±¢¤³ #§ ¦¤ 3/# #®£¤/¢¢´¯ ³¨® 4¨³«¤%¬¯«®¸¬¤³ 2020 ȨΕȩ(2020-2030)(2020-2030) 2030 35-0000&®®£ 0±¤¯ ± ³¨® £ 3¤±µ¨¦ 2¤« ³¤£ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²205,999243,82237,82318.36 39-00000¤±²® « # ±¤ £ 3¤±µ¨¢¤ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²78,03489,94211,90815.26 31-0000(¤ «³§¢ ±¤ 3´¯¯®±³ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²144,320162,56618,24612.64 53-00004± ²¯®±³ ³¨® £ - ³¤±¨ « -®µ¨¦ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²258,815287,74128,92611.18 17-0000!±¢§¨³¤¢³´±¤ £ %¦¨¤¤±¨¦ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²53,55458,6535,0999.52 19-0000,¨¥¤Ǿ 0§¸²¨¢ «Ǿ £ 3®¢¨ « 3¢¨¤¢¤ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²25,36627,7722,4069.49 21-0000#®¬¬´¨³¸ £ 3®¢¨ « 3¤±µ¨¢¤ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²40,51144,3003,7899.35 15-0000#®¬¯´³¤± £ - ³§¤¬ ³¨¢ « /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²91,57199,7538,1828.94 37-0000"´¨«£¨¦ £ '±®´£² #«¤ ¨¦ £ - ¨³¤ ¢¤ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²89,23696,8307,5948.51 47-0000#®²³±´¢³¨® £ %·³± ¢³¨® /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²126,068136,09510,0277.95 49-0000)²³ «« ³¨®Ǿ - ¨³¤ ¢¤Ǿ £ 2¤¯ ¨± /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²117,423126,2828,8597.54 27-0000!±³²Ǿ $¤²¨¦Ǿ %³¤±³ ¨¬¤³Ǿ 3¯®±³²Ǿ £ -¤£¨ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²42,76045,7863,0267.08 29-0000(¤ «³§¢ ±¤ 0± ¢³¨³¨®¤±² £ 4¤¢§¨¢ « /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²183,660196,07212,4126.76 11-0000- ¦¤¬¤³ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²155,943165,2979,3546.00 33-00000±®³¤¢³¨µ¤ 3¤±µ¨¢¤ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²52,11155,1893,0785.91 23-0000,¤¦ « /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²16,59017,5169265.58 25-0000%£´¢ ³¨®Ǿ 4± ¨¨¦Ǿ £ ,¨¡± ±¸ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²182,702192,2569,5545.23 13-0000"´²¨¤²² £ &¨ ¢¨ « /¯¤± ³¨®² /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²183,672192,9249,2525.04 51-00000±®£´¢³¨® /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²319,263328,5479,2842.91 41-00003 «¤² £ 2¤« ³¤£ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²270,025276,5616,5362.42 45-0000& ±¬¨¦Ǿ &¨²§¨¦Ǿ £ &®±¤²³±¸ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²31,12831,2911630.52 43-0000/¥¥¨¢¤ £ !£¬¨¨²³± ³¨µ¤ 3´¯¯®±³ /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²371,446356,224-15,222-4.10 00-00004®³ «Ǿ !«« /¢¢´¯ ³¨®²3,040,1973,231,419191,2226.29 3®´±¢¤Ȁ 7¨²¢®²¨ $¤¯ ±³¬¤³ ®¥ 7®±ª¥®±¢¤ $¤µ¤«®¯¬¤³ Ȩ7$7$ȩ /¢¢´¯ ³¨® « %¬¯«®¸¬¤³ 0±®©¤¢³¨®² St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 173 of 270 St. Croix County Economic Profile Demographic Overview and Commuting Patterns Current demographic trends, including population changes and educational attainment, are important foundational factors in many economic development initiatives. The population profile describes the existing and potential labor force that may fill the jobs located in the region. Educational attainment statistics are a proxy for the general skill level of the population. Household income allows inferences to be made about discretionary spending in St. Croix County as a whole. As stated in the Introduction and Transportation chapters, roughly 40% of county residents commute outside of Wisconsin to the Twin Cities metropolitan area for employment. For more information about place of work and commuting patterns see the Introduction and Transportation chapters of this plan. Metropolitan Statistical Area St. Croix County is included in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area and the region. Some select data comparisons are included for the metro area as a whole. For ease of reference, the metro area is simply referred to as the Twin Cities MSA in the remainder of this section. St. Croix County is one of 13 counties that make up the U.S Census Division named Minneapolis St. Paul Bloomington, MN/WI Metropolitan Statistical Area. St. Croix County is not part of the Metropolitan Council (Met Council), a regional planning agency that serves a seven-county area in the Twin Cities. Population Growth and Age According to the 2020 Census, St. Croix County had a population of 93,536. The most recent decade (2010-2020) experienced a lower growth rate than the previous decade (2000-2010). As stated in the population increased by 21,190 people, or 34 percent. Of that increase, 49% was due to natural increase (births minus deaths) and 51% was a result of net migration (in-migration minus out-migration). The population growth rate declined between 2010 and 2020 to 11 percent or 9,191 people. Even with the growth rate decline, the population continues to increase in St. Croix County, mostly in the western half and along the I-94 corridor. The aging population of the labor force in the region and County is a significant concern for the future and will place a greater emphasis on job training in the region. The graph below shows a visual representation age and projections. The projections are based on an extrapolation calculation that assumes the previous trend will continue. As stated in the Introduction chapter, the median age of St. Croix County residents increased 2.5 years from 2010 to 2020 (36.7 to 39.2). The largest age groups in 2010 and 2020 are 35-44 and 45-54. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 174 of 270 Education Detailed education data can be found in the Introduction and Utilities and Community Facilities chapters of this plan. Education highlights from the data are listed below. The demand for labor in the region is shifting toward more skilled work although not as quickly as some other regions in the State. This trend increases the need for worker training opportunities. A strong, traditional secondary educational system and a variety of worker training programs are important factors in economic development. County Education Trends & Findings 1.Percent of 25+ year olds with High school graduate or higher increased 5% since 2000 2. 3.Eleven K-12 public school districts in St. Croix County, six primary 4.Twenty-eight public schools in the county 5.Eleven libraries in St. Croix County 6.Northwood Technical College has a regional campus in New Richmond and Chippewa Valley Technical College has a campus in River Falls 7.Enrollment for credit has decreased at both Northwood Technical and Chippewa Valley Technical 8.University of Wisconsin has a campus in River Falls 9.Private, parochial, and home schooling options have a presence in the County Income Summarizing income statistics yields insight on purchasing power. The following graph and table show St. Croix County and Wisconsin median household income comparison from 2000-2020 and projections through 2040. The projections are based on an extrapolation calculation that assumes the previous 20- -2020. Median income (dollars)200020102020 20302040 St. Croix County$54,930$62,386$84,985$97,489$112,516 Wisconsin$43,791$49,001$67,080$76,580$88,224 Percent Poverty200020102020 St. Croix County4.0%7.8%5.1% Wisconsin8.7%13.2%10.9% Source: US Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 175 of 270 Wages St. Croix County Average Annual Wages by Industry are shown in the table and graph below. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development gathers wage data from employers for unemployment insurance purposes and some industries (e.g. self-employed, agricultural) are not reported or are underreported. The 4 industries with the most fluctuation from 2014-2022 include: 1) Management increased from ~$63,000 - ~$130,000, 2) Mining increased from ~$34,000 - ~$101,000, 3) Information experienced decreases in 2019 and 2021, and 4) Manufacturing experienced a decrease from 2021-2022. Most industry wages remained stable and increased in the past decade. The graph below highlights the top 8 industry wages in 2022 including: Management, Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction, Wholesale Trade, Finance and Insurance, Utilities, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Construction, and Health Care and Social Assistance. St. Croix County Average Annual Wages201420152016201720182019202020212022 1Management of Companies and Enterprises$ 63,844$ 93,838$ 96,416$ 107,857$ 113,321$ 118,824$ 129,421$ 132,201$ 130,034 2Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction$ 34,415$ 34,415$ 34,415$ 59,231$ 59,231$ 59,231$ 59,231$ 101,572$ 101,572 3Wholesale Trade$ 63,772$ 67,372$ 66,363$ 68,144$ 72,441$ 76,643$ 79,184$ 85,803$ 92,006 4Finance and Insurance$ 53,651$ 58,707$ 60,169$ 61,557$ 63,812$ 66,909$ 77,408$ 80,600$ 90,056 5Utilities$ 70,392$ 71,065$ 71,634$ 72,426$ 77,459$ 75,699$ 78,314$ 76,985$ 80,830 6Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$ 54,798$ 55,246$ 56,446$ 56,122$ 58,410$ 61,174$ 67,171$ 70,683$ 75,504 7Construction$ 49,317$ 51,202$ 53,688$ 56,114$ 56,652$ 57,499$ 61,995$ 62,701$ 66,896 8Health Care and Social Assistance$ 32,525$ 34,917$ 36,693$ 41,728$ 42,797$ 44,808$ 48,682$ 52,386$ 56,999 9Information$ 34,296$ 34,032$ 36,681$ 37,293$ 47,036$ 40,494$ 47,823$ 45,005$ 54,154 10Transportation and Warehousing$ 41,137$ 42,223$ 42,383$ 45,385$ 45,919$ 46,958$ 48,904$ 52,194$ 53,820 11Real Estate and Rental and Leasing$ 32,394$ 36,618$ 36,054$ 36,225$ 40,942$ 43,716$ 46,990$ 50,715$ 52,569 12Manufacturing$ 51,142$ 49,535$ 49,970$ 51,742$ 54,406$ 55,045$ 57,875$ 62,027$ 49,296 13Educational Services$ 36,492$ 38,077$ 38,064$ 38,282$ 39,966$ 41,217$ 44,028$ 45,329$ 44,812 14Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services$ 23,847$ 27,324$ 28,970$ 28,004$ 29,126$ 32,655$ 36,830$ 40,776$ 44,177 15Retail Trade$ 25,133$ 26,353$ 27,049$ 27,958$ 28,967$ 30,337$ 32,312$ 34,552$ 43,797 16Public Administration$ 34,406$ 35,432$ 36,345$ 37,929$ 38,604$ 38,867$ 40,015$ 42,118$ 42,914 17Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting$ 32,056$ 32,056$ 32,056$ 33,448$ 33,448$ 33,448$ 33,448$ 40,178$ 40,178 18Other Services (except Public Administration)$ 23,665$ 23,970$ 25,137$ 25,806$ 26,498$ 28,253$ 33,265$ 35,465$ 38,383 19Accommodation and Food Services$ 12,497$ 13,420$ 13,803$ 14,313$ 14,674$ 15,480$ 16,884$ 18,856$ 19,569 20Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation$ 14,256$ 15,116$ 15,518$ 15,461$ 16,762$ 16,642$ 18,002$ 18,603$ 19,522 Source: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 176 of 270 Labor and Employment Status Of St. Croix County residents 16 years of age and over, roughly 75 percent were in the labor force in the past 20 years. The table and graph below show the population in the County labor force from 2000-2020 and the unemployment rate for the 20-year period. The data shows that the County experienced a high unemployment rate during the great recession. EMPLOYMENT STATUS2000%2010%2020% Population 16 years and over 47,535 63,952 70,055 In labor force 35,867 75.5%48,761 76.2%50,492 72.1% Civilian labor force 35,842 99.9%48,748 99.97%50,425 99.9% Employed 34,905 97.4%43,907 90.1%49,384 97.9% Unemployed 937 2.6%4,841 9.9%1,041 2.1% Armed Forces 0.1%25 0.03%13 0.1%67 Not in labor force 11,668 24.5%15,191 23.8%19,563 27.9% Unemployment Rate 2.0%9.0%2.1% Source: US Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 177 of 270 Major Employers According to the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) County Economic Profile 2023, the County is home to the following 23 organizations that each provide jobs to over 100 employees. The tables below show the same base data including names of employers and number of employees. The bottom figure is the original 2023 Economic Profile from WCWRPC. The top table shows additional employer information including the headquarter status, corresponding North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code and the NAICS annual average wage of all positions. St. Croix County Major Employers by Number of Employees then Alphabetical SCC Headquarters NAICS Annual Avg Y/NWage EmployerEmployeesNAICS Code 1Hudson Hospitals and Clinics250-499YSector 62 - Health Care and Social Assistance$63,710 2Lakeside Foods, Inc.250-499NNAICS 311000 - Food Manufacturing$46,280 3McMillan Electric Co.250-499YNAICS 336300 - Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing$53,900 4OEM Fabricators, Inc.250-499YNAICS 331000 - Primary Metal Manufacturing$58,190 5Phillips-Medisize250-499NNAICS 339100 - Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing$66,770 6St. Croix County 250-499YSector 99 - Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals$70,590 7St. Croix Family/Health/Human Services250-499YSector 99 - Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals$70,590 8WalMart Supercenter250-499NNAICS 455000 - General Merchandise Retailers$36,250 9Western Wisconsin Health250-499YSector 62 - Health Care and Social Assistance$63,710 10Westfields Hospital and Clinic250-499YSector 62 - Health Care and Social Assistance$63,710 11Bosch Packaging Technology, Inc.100-249NNAICS 333300 - Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing$71,210 12Coldwell Banker Burnet100-249NNAICS 531000 - Real Estate$60,440 13County Market100-249NNAICS 4450A1 - Food and Beverage Retailers (4451 and 4452 only)$35,050 14Donaldson Company100-249NNAICS 333300 - Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing$71,210 15Hudson YMCA100-249NSector 62 - Health Care and Social Assistance$63,710 16Loparex, Inc.100-249NNAICS 424100 - Paper and Paper Product Merchant Wholesalers$58,340 17Nolato Contour100-249YNAICS 326100 - Plastics Product Manufacturing$51,000 18Pier 500100-249YNAICS 722500 - Restaurants and Other Eating Places$32,300 19Preco Inc.100-249YNAICS 423800 - Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers$66,240 20River Falls Area Hospital100-249YSector 62 - Health Care and Social Assistance$63,710 21St. Croix Central School District100-249YSector 61 - Educational Services$63,600 22Target100-249NNAICS 455000 - General Merchandise Retailers$36,250 23Uline Shipping Supplies100-249NNAICS 424100 - Paper and Paper Product Merchant Wholesalers$58,340 Source: West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission St. Croix County Economic Profile - 2023, NAICS Annual Avg Wage from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 178 of 270 Small Businesses The small business sector plays a key role in the economic development of St. Croix County. According to YourEconomy.org, St Croix County was home to 3,441 establishments in 2022, which includes schools, government, healthcare, large companies, branches, small businesses, and farms. 2,522 of those are independent, standalone establishments when excluding schools, governments or non-profits, but including healthcare. Of those independent businesses, 88.3% had 10 jobs or less. When looking at all establishments, success on longevity. Local resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses are available through the University of Wisconsin River Falls College of Business and Economics, Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Another resource is the Wisconsin SBDC that offers consulting, education, referrals, sophisticated tools and resources. WSBDC hosts the Wisconsin Business AnswerLine (WBA). The WBA helps established, new and aspiring business owners at no cost. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the United States government that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The mission of the Small Business Administration is to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by enabling the establishment and viability of small businesses and by assisting in the economic recovery of communities after disasters. The agency provides business guides, funding programs, federal contracting, and local assistance through Small Business Development Centers. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 179 of 270 Industry Composition and Agriculture In 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (WDWD) released the St. Croix County Workforce Profile that stated the County gained 1,157 jobs from 2020 to 2021, ranked 15th amongst the state's 72 counties in its annual growth. However, COVID-19 caused a very steep job loss in 2020, from which the county is still recovering. There were 238 fewer jobs in St. Croix County in 2021 versus 2019. Education and health, the largest industry super-sector in St. Croix County by employment grew by 250 jobs from 2020 to 2021. It is envisioned that the County will continue to promote industries that are currently prosperous. Top industries in St. Croix County include: Education, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services. The Census data shows that top four industries in St. Croix County have remained the same over the past two and Preservation Chapter. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 180 of 270 Industry Clusters Development Authority (EDA) developed a Cluster Mapping tool that provides data on the regional economic performance, cluster composition, and sub-regional prosperity of designated regions across the country. St. Croix County is located within the Minneapolis region, according to the US EDA Cluster Mapping tool, pictured right. The economic prosperity of the Minneapolis region is medium-high compared to the other US regions. Every regional economy in the US has its own distinct portfolio of clusters. The strong traded clusters shown in the figure can assist in new business creation that aligns with the existing high employment specialization in the region. A cluster is a regional concentration of related industries. The figure shows the clusters identified based on a set of core performance indicators. The US EDA Cluster Mapping tool in November 2023, shows the top traded industry clusters in the Minneapolis region. The Cluster Portfolio figure highlights the top 10 strong traded clusters in the 5 region. A strong cluster has high employment specialization in a region ranked and compared to all other US regions. The numbers in the cluster circles represent the estimated number of employees in the cluster. Clusters are a remarkable feature of economies, making regions uniquely competitive for jobs and private investment. Clusters enhance productivity and spur innovation by bringing together technology, information, specialized talent, competing companies, academic institution, and other organizations. Close proximity, and the accompanying tight linkages, yield better market insights, more refined research agendas, larger pools of specialized talent, and faster deployment of new knowledge. Traded Custers: The engines of regional economies, Serve markets in other regions or nations, Concentrated in regions that afford specific competitive advantages Local Clusters: The foundation of local economies, Sell products and services primarily for the local market, Located in every region St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 181 of 270 Housing Market Please see the Housing chapter for St. Croix County Census housing data. Housing trends from 2010-2020 are listed below. 1.Total housing units increased 3,386 2.Number occupied housing units increased 2,884 3.Percent vacant units increased 0.76% 4.Average household size decreased -0.070 5.Percent family households decreased -7.51% 6.Percent 1-unit housing structures increased 3.4%, whereas mobile homes decreased -2.3% 7.Percent Owner-occupied housing units increased 0.30% 8.Majority of households in both decades had 2-vehicles available (~40%) 9.Majority of households in both decades used utility gas as heating fuel (~50%) Consumer Expenditures According to the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission County Economic Profile 2023, the following average household consumer expenditures were recorded for St. Croix County. The following table shows annual consumer expenditures per household. Building Permits Census data gathered from the 2012 plan and the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission County Economic Profile 2022 reveals the building permit trends in the county shown in the table and graph below. St. Croix County Building Permits 1998200720162020 Single Family575338372502 Total 1,022369429715 Value$ 93,509,992$ 157,941,963 Source: US Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 182 of 270 Taxation One way to evaluate the economic base in St. Croix County is to look at property taxation and the equalized values of land and improvements. According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), the Equalized Value is the estimated value of all taxable real and personal property in each taxation district, by class of property. The Equalized Value is calculated in response to each municipality having a separate assessor, and assessors revaluate in different years. The Equalized Value is an estimate of the market value of all property in the County. In 2024, some personal property will be assessed as real property based on changes in WI State statute. In 2023, St. Croix County had the lowest tax levy rate since 1970. Value Data Visualization Tool, gathered in October 2023. The 2023 use value comparison reveals that the largest value share is Residential at 81%, Commercial at 13%. The all-property annual comparison shows that value has fluctuated since 1985 with a decrease from 2009-2013 during the great recession and large increases from 2021-2023. Department of Revenue definition of Equalized Value and property: Real property is land, any improvements that have been attached to the land, and all fixtures, rights, and privileges pertaining thereto. Personal property includes all goods, wares, merchandise, chattels, and effects, of any nature or description having any real or marketable value, and not included in real property. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 183 of 270 Tourism St. Croix County offers a wide variety of natural, historical, and entertainment amenities and attractions. Tourism and outdoor recreation in the County often revolve around the St. Croix River and the 600 acres of fishing lakes and nearly 81 miles of trout streams. Lake St. Croix is large enough to accommodate sailing, while the St. Croix River, a National Scenic and Wild River, is very popular for canoeing, fishing, and picnicking. Several companies or campgrounds offer tubing on the Apple River which has become a well known destination in the region. Auto racing and motor-cross facilities are also found within the county. Most Cities and Villages hold many community festivals throughout the year. Numerous federal, state, county and municipal parks, trail systems, wildlife areas, campgrounds/resorts, and public hunting grounds offer a variety of places to play, picnic, hike, lodge, and enjoy the outdoors. There are over 13 golf courses within 25 miles of the center of the county, and over 200 miles of snowmobile trails and cross- country ski trails. Many of these outdoor recreational assets are inventoried in the community facilities and natural resources sections of this report. These natural resources and open spaces attract both visitors and new Paul market, the County has a relatively low number of seasonal and recreational housing units. Almost all owners choose to occupy their homes year-round and commute to work. In short, St. Croix County does not have the seasonal resort destinations of many counties in the region. historical sites, such as the Octagon House in Hudson or the New a performance at the Phipps Center for the Arts. Residents and visitors alike can also enjoy local, fresh foods at a variety of different orchards, vegetable growers, and numerous specialty farms and outlets. The table below shows that St. Croix County and State of Wisconsin tourism industry grew from 2021-2022. According to Travel Wisconsin in 2022, -breaking $23.7 billion in total economic impact, surpassing the previous record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. The following table shows economic impact 2021-2022 for WI and St. Croix County in direct visitor spending, employment, labor income and state and local taxes. ÞȯɳɕȀɝȢ uȢɒƬljɫɝ þȀɝljȯȤɝȀȤ ƬȤǐ Ðɫ٭ ɕ>ȯȀʑ >ȯɳȤɫʒ Total Economic ImpactDirect Visitor SpendingEmploymentTotal Labor IncomeState and Local Taxes Millions%MillionsComparedMillions%Total%Millions%Millions% County20212022Change2019to 201920212022 Change20212022 Change20212022 Change20212022 Change Wisconsin$20,929$23,65513.0%$22,223106.4%$12,856.3$14,880.115.7%169,707174,6232.9%$5,798.3$6,525.712.5%$1,388.2$1,516.29.2% St. Croix County$188$20811.0%$198105.5%$113.3$127.812.8%1,8351,8621.5%$54.1$57.15.5%$12.8$13.55.5% Source: Travel Wisconsin St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 184 of 270 Opportunities for Brownfield Redevelopment A brownfield is a former industrial or commercial site where future use is affected by real or perceived environmental contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) urge the clean-up of environmentally contaminated commercial or industrial 7 Tracking System (BRRTS) records environmentally contaminated sites in 6 types listed below. As of October 2023, there were 20 open Contaminated Site Types environmentally contaminated sites located within the County, of 1,053 listed in the BRRTS, in the table below. The County list contained 1,033 historic closed sites, historic spills, and non-status locations. The County may wish to follow-up with the report to identify any issues. Reference the Natural Resources chapter of this plan for a map of contamination areas. ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP & BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT - St. Croix County BRRTS No. & Activity Name Address, Municipality, County, RegionTypeStatusStart 102-56-000097 NEW RICHMOND CTY LF #2492115TH & 195TH AVE, STAR PRAIRIE ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN1/1/1980 202-56-000243 LEE FARM (ROSEN METALS - WOODVILLE)250TH ST, WOODVILLE ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN1/1/1981 302-56-000088 JUNKERS LF905 ALEXANDER RD, HUDSON TN ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN30713 402-56-000089 NOR LAKE SOIL & GW REMEDIATION891 CTH U, HUDSON ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN30713 502-56-000068 CTS FABRITEK1560 10TH AVE, BALDWIN ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN30816 603-56-000393 EMERALD SERVICE STATION FORMER1547 CTH D, EMERALD ST. CROIX WCLUSTOPEN33115 702-56-000096 NEW RICHMOND LF OLD #310185TH AVE, STAR PRAIRIE TN ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN33482 802-56-000292 HUDSON LFKRATTLEY LN, HUDSON ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN33878 902-56-373815 TN OF WARREN TCE INVESTIGATION80TH AVE, ROBERTS ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN36382 1008-56-555457 JIM RABEIN PROPERTY2107 100TH ST, SOMERSET ST. CROIX WCACOPEN37511 1108-56-555435 VETERANS PARK ST CROIX RIVERVETERANS PARK ST CROIX RIVER, HOULTON ST. CROIX WCACOPEN38525 1208-56-555416 CTH GG & 160TH STCTH GG & 160TH ST, EDEN PRAIRIE TN ST. CROIX WCACOPEN38946 1302-56-552250 CENTRAL ST CROIX ROD & GUN CLUB355 STH 63, EAU GALLE ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN39650 1402-56-556496 JONGQUIST FAMILY KITCHEN INC1030 6TH AVE, BALDWIN ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN40036 1502-56-559783 TWIN CITY EAST HUDSON713 USH 12, HUDSON ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN41259 1602-56-576628 S & S COATINGS INCRTE 2 180TH ST, NEW RICHMOND ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN42382 1702-56-584077 JOHNSON CLEANERS104 S KNOWLES AVE, NEW RICHMOND ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN43669 1803-56-589347 TWIN CITY EAST TRAVEL CENTER713 USH 12, HUDSON ST. CROIX WCLUSTOPEN44624 1902-56-590839 FORMER UNION PACIFIC RAIL CORRIDORBRIDGE ST AND WISCONSIN ST N, HUDSON ST. CROIX WCERPOPEN44860 2003-56-591294 930 10TH AVE - BALDWIN930 10TH AVE, BALDWIN ST. CROIX WCLUSTOPEN44945 Source: WI DNR Bureau of Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTS) ON THE WEB, October 2023 The US EPA develops a national priorities list of contaminated sites and Superfund Alternative Approach. The list contains sites proposed to, currently on, and deleted from Superfund's National Priorities List (NPL) as well as sites being addressed under the Superfund Alternative Approach (SAA). In an October 2023 search of the state of Wisconsin sites St. Croix County was not on the list. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 185 of 270 Existing and Future Commercial Sites Industrial & Business Parks Future Land Use Map Consult local and municipal land use plans for detailed commercial sites. The County Future Land Use Map below includes existing and future commercial and industrial land use sites. The purpose of the Commercial classification is to identify existing scattered commercial developments throughout the County. The purpose of the Commercial-Development Nodes classification is to identify the generalized areas near or along major highways or key intersections that have the potential for commercial and light industrial development in the future. The exact boundaries of these nodes are not set-in-stone and are flexible based on distance to the highway and close proximity to other existing or planned commercial development. Proposed commercial development that are higher impact and not appropriate for the residential and open space areas should be guided to these nodes. Reference the Land Use chapter of this plan for more information. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 186 of 270 Economic Development Programs & Organizations Federal Agencies & Programs 1.U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) 2.U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin Rural Development Programs 3.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Contaminated sites nation priorities 4.US Small Business Administration (SBA) State Agencies & Programs 1.Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development 2.Wisconsin Economic Development Association 3.Wisconsin Department of Administration 4.Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation 5.Wisconsin Department of Tourism 6.Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Agricultural Development and Diversification (ADD) Grant Program 7.Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 8.Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) 9.Wisconsin Department of Transportation 10.Wisconsin Brownfields Redevelopment and Reuse Initiative 11.Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 12.Wisconsin Business AnswerLine Regional Agencies & Programs 1.Momentum West 2.West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission 3.St. Croix Economic Development Corporation 4.St. Croix County, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension, Baldwin 5.St. Croix County Job Center, New Richmond 6.Chippewa Valley Technical College Employment Services, River Falls 7.University of Wisconsin River Falls Career Services, River Falls 8.Wisconsin Northwood Technical College Employment Services, New Richmond website: 9.UW-River Falls Small Business Development Center (SBDC), River Falls 10.Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Eau Claire and St. Paul 11.Greater MSP - 15-county MinneapolisSaint Paul regional economy 12.Greater St. Croix Valley Partnership - between St. Croix, and Dunn County EDCs 13.Regional Business Fund, Inc, Eau Claire - low-interest loans for business expansion Local Organizations 1.St. Croix Business Park Corporation (Hudson) 2.River Falls Economic Development Corporation (River Falls) 3.New Richmond Area Economic Development Corporation (New Richmond) 4.Baldwin Improvement Agency (Baldwin) Woodville Economic Development Corporation (Woodville) Chambers of Commerce in St. Croix County St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 187 of 270 Goals & Objectives Goal 1: Develop and maintain a sound and diverse economy. Objectives: 1.1Promote the retention and expansion of existing businesses in the County. 1.2Foster the recruitment and incorporation of new businesses in the County. 1.3Provide and promote a variety of information resources regarding business advantages and opportunities in the County. 1.4Promote county-wide economic development identity and marketing. 1.5Advocate and monitor regulatory activities that impact the local economies and businesses. 1.6Foster coordination and collaboration between local, regional and state economic development entities. 1.7Promote and maintain downtowns and neighborhood commercial areas. 1.8Promote the county as a tourism destination. 1.9Support renewable energy sources as a form of economic development. Goal 2: Maintain the predominately agricultural-based economy within rural areas of the county. Objectives: 2.1 Support agricultural-based businesses that encourage the viability and diversity of agriculture in the County. 2.2 Maintain balance between agricultural businesses, natural resources and rural character of the County. 2.3 Recognize the increasing industrialization of agriculture and its related activities and impacts. Goal 3: Minimize land use conflicts between business and non-business uses. Objectives: 3.1 Limit commercial or industrial business development interference with surrounding existing uses. 3.2 Encourage planned and orderly transportation system, infrastructure and available services for rural development. 3.3 Ensure that new businesses are sited according to the land use map to protect the predominately rural character of the County. 3.4 Maintain standards and limitations for home occupations to minimize noise, traffic and other disturbances to adjacent land uses. Goal 4: Maintain a high-quality workforce supported by quality employment and educational opportunities. Objectives: 4.1 graduates. 4.2 Encourage training programs to promote a well-educated and skilled workforce. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 188 of 270 Policies Business Retention and New Businesses 1.As identified in the 2022 survey, residents support the following businesses: Agricultural/farms, Service businesses, Light industry, High-tech industry, Manufacturing, Retail development, Tourism. 2.At the county level, continue to support St. Croix County Comprehensive Planning economic development and monitor Public Opinion Survey Report Results, 2022: the success of businesses utilizing economic development programs. The County encourages the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation to do the same. 3.Support development of a promotional strategy for the County economic development identity and marketing brand. Regional & Cooperative Economic Development Activities 4.Acknowledge the importance of the St. Croix County Comprehensive Planning Twin Cities metro area to the County Public Opinion Survey Report Results, 2022: economy by developing county and local initiatives which capitalize on the opportunities presented by this strong p adjacent market. p 5.Encourage the utilization of the p Regional Business Fund, Inc. to assist p with business start-up, retention, p expansion, attraction, and downtown p redevelopment. p 6.Encourage collaboration at the county and regional level in all economic development activities including but not limited to when examining the need for local infrastructure improvements. 7.Consider a study that identifies key industries and/or sectors that are drivers of the County and surrounding economies. Specific programs and/or activities should be developed from the study to further grow these industries and the clusters which they are part of. Attention should be paid to the interaction of these industries within the global market. These efforts should augment initiatives already taking place at the local level. 8. issues and goals into local, State, and Federal programs, plans, policies, such as in local comprehensive plans and the Wisconsin Broadband Data and Development Plan. 9.Assist local units of government in accessing the necessary tools and resources to preserve and maintain their downtowns and neighborhood commercial areas. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 189 of 270 10.Encourage the reuse of brownfield and underutilized sites for new industrial and commercial development. 11.Promote the County as a tourism destination through cooperative efforts with the State Department of Tourism and regional and local organizations. 12.Ensure state-of-the-art electrical, technological and telecommunication infrastructure necessary to sustain a diverse economy through collaboration in provision of services in local and area economic development strategies. Energy 13.Explore programs that help create St. Croix County Comprehensive Planning economic development opportunities Public Opinion Survey Report Results, 2022: from renewable energy sources. 14.Encourage renewable energy resources on a small-scale basis to serve p individual businesses. p p Ag-Related Economic Activity p 15.The primary focus for economic development in rural portions of the county will be the support of agriculture, agricultural-related businesses and cottage industries. 16.The County will encourage UW- Extension and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to develop a regional marketing strategy for local agricultural products. 17.The County will collaborate with UW-Extension and other entities to explore ways to diversify and add value to food crops and animal products raised in the county as part of the local economy. 18.The County supports new and existing businesses that utilize local agricultural products or that provide important agricultural inputs (farm equipment, new farm technologies, etc.) 19.-based businesses focused on food for local and regional markets (small-scale food processing, fresh produce, organics, etc.). 20. and agricultural assets. Land Use Conflicts 21.Maintain design guidelines for businesses that address landscaping, aesthetics, lighting, noise, parking and access in order to assure high value, safe and lasting development. 22.Commercial and industrial businesses not compatible with the rural character of the county Towns will be encouraged to locate in urban locations or rural hamlets where adequate transportation and utility infrastructure exist to serve more intensive business developments Workforce Education & Employment 23.The County supports strengthened connections between area high schools, colleges, universities will meet the St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 190 of 270 H OUSING St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 191 of 270 Housing Vision St. Croix County, has a stock of affordable and moderate income housing for its residents. In particular, the County has paid attention to the need for affordable and appropriate housing for its aging population. The County accepts innovation and critical analysis of the advancement of design for affordability both in structure and land use. The County has aimed to control sprawling residential development. When and where possible, the County encourages development into cities and villages or in conservation subdivisions in rural areas where shared septic systems are allowed. In addition, homeowners and developers use best building practices to develop and rehabilitate energy efficient habitable structures. Introduction Quality housing is an essential component to healthy and vibrant communities, and striving to provide safe and cost-effective housing is an important community development goal. An analysis of housing conditions will help St. Croix County gain a better understanding of the changes that have occurred in the past and provide insight into future changes that can be anticipated. Housing Issues & Opportunities Findings & Issues 1.According to the 2022 resident survey, there is a need for more senior housing, single family housing, and affordable housing in the County. 2.According to the 2022 resident survey, respondents believe the external appearance of residences in neighborhoods is important. 3.Housing vacancy rates have increased since 2000. 4.According to the 2022 resident survey, 70% of respondents prefer conservation design subdivision over traditional subdivision to preserve open space (See images right) 5.In 2020, approximately 65% of the built in 1999 or earlier (~25+ years old). Forty percent of the housing units in the county were built after 2000. 6.The number of multi-family housing units, as a percent of all housing unit types, is decreasing since 2000. 7.Some historic homes in the county have been rehabilitated and very well maintained. Opportunities 1.Increase opportunities to improve the external appearance of residences in neighborhoods. 2.A wide variety of programs and organizations are available to help communities ensure they have an adequate supply of housing to meet a diverse array of current and future demands. 3.As the number of households and housing units continues to grow, there is a resulting need for local units of government to provide additional public facilities and services. 4.The County contains an older housing stock that needs rehabilitation and energy efficiency improvements. Continuation of programs to address these issues is of importance. 5.Decrease the impact of development in environmentally sensitive areas. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 192 of 270 Housing Trends 2010-2020 The following housing trends were gathered from US Census to compare 2010 and 2020 data. Key housing trends that occurred in the past decade are listed below. 1.The number of housing units built between 2010 and 2020 was lower than any of the previous three decades. Total housing units increased 3,386 however that total was a decrease of 6,334 housing units built compared to the previous decade (9,720 from 2000-2010). 2.Number occupied housing units increased 2,884 3.Percent vacant units increased 0.76% 4.Average household size decreased -0.070 8 5.Percent family households decreased -7.51% 6.Percent 1-unit housing structures increased 3.4%, whereas mobile homes decreased -2.3% 7.Percent Owner-occupied housing units decreased -0.60% 8.Many households in both decades had 2-vehicles available (~42%) 9.Majority of households in both decades used utility gas as heating fuel (~60%) St. Croix County Housing Units2010%2020%Change Total Units 33,983100% 37,369100% 3,386 Occupied housing units 93.6%34,68331,799 92.8% 2,884 Vacant units 6.4%2,6862,184 7.2%0.76% HOUSEHOLD SIZE 1-person household 20.5%7,635 22.0%1.51% 2-person household 36.3%12,764 36.8%0.50% 3-person household 19.5%5,349 15.4%-4.08% 4-or-more-person household 23.7%8,935 25.8%2.06% Total 100.0%34,683100.0% Average household size 2.632.56-0.070 HOUSEHOLD TYPE Nonfamily households (Single or unrelated)25.3%9,575 27.6%2.31% Family households (Related)74.7%25,108 72.4%-2.31% Total 100.0%34,683100.0% UNITS IN STRUCTURE 1-unit structures 79.2%82.6%3.40% 2-or-more-unit structures 16.0%14.9%-1.10% Mobile homes and all other types of units 4.8%2.5%-2.30% Total 100.0%100.0% HOUSING TENURE Owner-occupied housing units 77.8%77.2%-0.60% Renter-occupied housing units 22.2%22.8%0.60% Total 100.0%100.0% VEHICLES AVAILABLE No vehicle available 3.6%1,035 3.0%-0.62% 1 vehicle available 23.7%7,678 22.1%-1.56% 2 vehicles available 42.6%14,419 41.6%-1.03% 3 or more vehicles available 30.1%11,551 33.3%3.20% 100.0%34,683100.0% HOUSE HEATING FUEL Utility gas 56.2%21,569 62.2%5.99% Bottled, tank, or LP gas 17.3%5,782 16.7%-0.63% Electricity 17.3%5,544 16.0%-1.32% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.3.2% 1.1%371-2.13% Coal or coke 0.0%2 0.0%0.01% All other fuels 5.1%1,295 3.7%-1.37% No fuel used 0.9% 0.3%120-0.55% 100.0%34,683100.0% Source: US Census 8 Family household Definition - A family includes a householder and one or more people living in the same household who are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. All people in a household who are related to the householder are regarded as members of his or her family. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 193 of 270 Housing Units Total housing units have consistently increased in St. Croix County since 1980 with the greatest increase between 2000-2010. There was a significant decrease in housing unit development in the last decade from the previous decade due to the recession. The following table and map show total housing units and housing unit change. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 194 of 270 Housing Occupancy Housing vacancy rates have generally increased since 1980 in the county. The percent of occupied units has remained above 90% however the percent of vacant units has increased from 3.9% in 1980 to 7.2% in 2020. The increasing vacancy rate may be caused by supply of units, cost of units, or location of units. The following table and graphs show total housing units and housing occupancy from 1980-2020. The data reveals that the number of vacant units have increased in the county. St. Croix County Housing Units 10-'20 1980%1990%2000%2010%2020%Change Total Units 14,924100% 18,519100% 24,263100% 33,983100% 37,369 100% 3,386 Occupied housing units 96.3%17,63814,370 95.2%23,410 96.5%31,799 93.6%34,683 92.8%-0.76% Vacant units 5543.9%8815.0%8533.6%2,184 6.4%2,686 7.2%0.76% Source: US Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 195 of 270 Housing Tenure Same as the total number of housing units, the total number of occupied housing units have consistently increased in St. Croix County since 1980 with the greatest increase between 2000-2010. Housing tenure is the percent of owner-occupied versus rental occupied units. The following table and graphs show total occupied housing units and housing tenure from 1980-2020. The data reveals that the percent of owner occupied units have increased in the county from 1980 (76.2%) - 2020 (77.2%). St. Croix County Housing Tenure 10-'20 1980%1990%2000%2010%2020%Change Total Units 14,924 18,519 24,263 33,983 37,369 3,386 Total Occupied Units 94.9%17,63814,159 95.2%23,410 96.5%31,799 93.6%34,683 92.8%2,884 Owner Occupied Units 76.2%13,21210,795 74.9%17,881 76.4%24,754 77.8%26,775 77.2%-0.6% Renter Occupied Units 23.8%4,4263,364 25.1%5,529 23.6%7,045 22.2%7,908 22.8%0.6% 14,159100% 17,638100% 23,410100% 31,799100% 34,683100% Source: US Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 196 of 270 Housing Type According to US Census, the number of 1-unit housing structures in St. Croix County has consistently increased since 1980. In contrast the number of multi-unit housing structures and mobile homes have consistently decreased. The following graph and table show housing structure type including 3 categories of 1-unit, 2-or-more unit and mobile homes and other. The data reveals the following housing type trends. 1.Percent of 1-unit housing structures in the County increased from 1980 (77.6%) to 2020 (82.6%) 2.Percent of 2-or-more unit housing structures decreased from 1980 (16.9%) to 2020 (14.9%) 3.Percent of mobile homes and other types of housing structures decreased from 1980 (5.5%) to 2020 (2.5%) St. Croix County Housing Type 10-'20 Units in Structure1980%1990%2000%2010%2020%Change Total Units 14,713 18,519 24,263 33,983 37,369 1-unit structures 11,41577.6% 13,90775.1% 18,61376.7% 26,91579.2% 30,86782.6%3,952 2-or-more-unit structures 2,49316.9% 3,31017.9% 4,51918.6% 5,43716.0% 5,56814.9%131 Mobile homes and all other types of units 5.5%1,302805 7.0%1,131 4.7%1,631 4.8% 2.5%934-697 100.0%18,51914,713 100% 24,263100% 33,983100% 37,369 1 Source: US Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 197 of 270 Housing Year Structure Built The age of the housing stock is an important element to be analyzed when preparing for the future. If there is a significant amount of older housing units within the housing supply, they will most likely need to be replaced, rehabilitated or abandoned for new development within the planning period. Allowing for a new housing supply also requires planning regarding infrastructure, land availability, community utilities, transportation routes, and a variety of other public services to address community needs that are affected by new development. The graph and table below show the percent and number of housing units built in the following year categories: 2010 or later, 2000 to 2009, 1980 to 1999, 1960 to 1979, 1940 to 1959, and 1939 or earlier. The data reveals that approximately 65% of the Count years old). In 1978 the Census began tracking structure year built data to comply with new building energy standards.The Census data does not include rehabilitated historic homes and some historic homes in the county have been rehabilitated and very well maintained. YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT2000%2010%2020% 2010 or later 7.3%2,534 2000 to 2009 31.3%9,6829,972 27.9% 1980 to 1999 10,592 43.6%9,526 29.9%10,430 30.1% 1960 to 1979 27.9%6,0536,763 19.0%5,865 16.9% 1940 to 1959 9.7%1,8162,355 5.7%2,306 6.6% 1939 or earlier 18.8%4,4924,555 14.1%3,866 11.1% Total 31,860 34,683 Source: US Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 198 of 270 Housing Value The quality of housing is measured by its value and housing value is directly linked to quality of life. US Census provides estimated housing value in dollar categories. The graph and table below show a comparison of housing values from 2000, 2010, and 2020 in the following combined comparable dollar categories: Less than $50,000, $50,000 to $99,999, $100,000 to $299,999, $300,000 to $499,999, $500,000 to $999,999, and $1,000,000 or more. The graph and table below show that housing values in St. Croix County have increased from 2000 to 2020. The median housing value has increased from 2000 ($139,500) to 2020 ($268,200) a difference of $128,700 in the 20-year time period. Housing Value2000%2010%2020% Less than $50,0002572.0%1,535 6.3%1931.0% $50,000 to $99,999256819.7%1,211 4.9%3241.6% $100,000 to $299,999 73.5%15,4789,576 63.2%11,25256.7% $300,000 to $499,999 534 4.1%4,294 17.5%5,95230.0% $500,000 to $999,999 0.7%1,87586 7.7%2,00510.1% $1,000,000 or more 0.0%6 1131050.5% Median (dollars)$ 139,500$ 216,200$ 268,200 Source: US Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 199 of 270 Housing Affordability Providing affordable housing that meets the needs of current and future St. Croix County residents is an important element in planning for the future. A lack of quality affordable housing has overriding impacts on population migration patterns, economic de Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines affordable housing as housing that does not cost more than 30 percent of household income. This affordability benchmark is not an underwriting standard; it does not address the ability to pay for housing. Households may choose to pay more to get the housing they need or want; however, according to HUD standards, people should have the choice of having decent and safe housing for no more than 30 percent of their household income. The graph and table below show the housing cost for owners as a percent of income from 2000 to 2020. The data reveals that the majority of homeowners in St. Croix County pay less than 20% of their income towards housing from 2000 to 2020. The impetus for the change in 2010 may be attributed to US lending standard changes. Housing Value (Owner) as a Percent of 2000%2010%2020% Income Less than 20 percent 54.7%6,2247,128 34.0%9,69348.9% 20 to 29 percent 27.6%6,0643,596 33.2%5,70728.9% 30 percent or more 17.5%5,9922,284 32.7%4,39122.1% Source: US Census St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 200 of 270 Housing Projections Housing projections are helpful to estimate the amount of land that may be consumed by future housing development. The projections are based on an extrapolation calculation that assumes the previous trend will continue. The data reveals that housing units are projected to increase and the housing unit vacancy rate is projected to continue to increase. Housing Projections19801990200020102020 20302040 Total Units 18,51914,924 24,263 33,983 37,369 49,95343,918 Number Change 3,595 5,744 9,720 3,386 6,0356,549 Occupied housing units 96.3%95.2%96.5%93.6%92.8%92.3%91.4% Vacant units 3.9%5.0%3.6%6.4%7.2%7.7%8.5% Source: US Census 1980-2020, projections St. Croix County St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 201 of 270 Housing Programs and Agencies County and Local Housing Programs St. Croix County Housing Authorities Hudson, New Richmond and River Falls West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency, Inc. (WestCAP) Impact Seven, Inc., Rice Lake provides senior housing support St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity River Falls, WI , Madison, WI State Housing Programs Wisconsin Housing and Urban Development Wisconsin Department of Administration p Division of Housing and Intergovernmental Relations p Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) p Wisconsin Housing Cost Reduction Initiative (HCRI) Wisconsin Historic Home Tax Credits Wisconsin Home Safety Act Wisconsin Property Tax Deferred Loan Program (PTDL) Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Wisconsin Rural Development, Rural Housing Service Wisconsin Weatherization Assistance Programs Federal Housing Programs United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) p Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-RD) p Home Programs, Rural Development, Rural Housing Service National Register of Historic Places St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 202 of 270 Goals and Objectives Goal 1: Provide for a range of affordable, attractive, efficient housing options that provide a safe, healthy living environment and are compatible with surroundings. Objectives: 1.1Encourage a mix of housing options and neighborhoods to meet the needs of all residents. 1.2Encourage green and energy-efficient construction and renovation methods and materials. 1.3Design, site, and construct housing and residential developments in a manner which mitigates the potential impacts of man-made and natural hazards and other health and safety concerns. 1.4Housing organizations, programs, and services will work cooperatively to best assist residents and utilize limited resources. 1.5Encourage new housing development to be economically efficient in terms of its relationship to necessary services, facilities, and infrastructure. 1.6Housing development will occur in a manner that considers and protects natural resources and minimizes conflicts with adjacent uses. 1.7The development pattern of new housing in rural, unincorporated areas should be compatible with the rural character of its surroundings and preserve working lands. Goal 2: Maintain existing housing stock and preserve traditional residential neighborhoods. Objectives: 2.1 homes. 2.2 Identify and promote the preservation and revitalization of our traditional residential neighborhoods and housing in urban areas. Goal 3: Plan for new housing types and densities that are consistent and compatible with local comprehensive plans and meet the forecasted housing needs of residents. Objectives: 3.1 Encourage diversity of housing choices and at higher densities where services are available. 3.2 Housing should be located and sited to enhance and maintain rural character. 3.3 Plan for a sufficient supply of developable land for housing in areas consistent with local policies and of densities and types consistent with this plan St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 203 of 270 Policies Research & General Outreach 1.Provide county-level housing resource information on the county website to increase resident and local government knowledge of the wide variety of housing assistance programs available to residents and encourage local governments to incorporate these housing resources into their planning and development efforts. 2. The guide outlines the traditional community norms and expectations for rural residents. Encourage local municipalities to provide copies to all new residents as part of the building permit/inspection process. 3.To ensure high quality housing, the county supports the Uniform Dwelling Code which requires inspection of new structures and repair of unsafe and unsanitary housing conditions. Through the county website the county will provide information and connection to the State of Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and local building inspectors. Planning, Location & Supply 4.Continuously review St. Croix County land use regulations to guide the location of future residential development and protect important features of the natural environment without making existing houses nonconforming whenever possible. 5.Continuously review St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance regulations regarding property maintenance and nuisance issues such as junk vehicles and solid waste. Work to maintain a high-quality living environment within all residential areas and to address violations of applicable land use ordinances on residential, commercial or industrial properties. 6.Encourage home site design that achieves rural character and farmland preservation objectives and ensures that home sites are safe from seasonal flooding or ponding. Guide development away from hydric and alluvial soils, which are formed under conditions of saturation, flooding or ponding. 7.Allow for and promote a mix of housing types and affordability options, including rental, multi-family, and manufactured housing, which eliminates barriers to fair housing choices. 8. assisted living choices (e.g., nursing care, assisted living, in-home respite) which are sited in close proximity to related goods and services, and contributes to keeping our older citizens as active members of our communities. Encourage new homes to be barrier free for any disability and for persons in all stages of life, while exploring opportunities to support the adaptive rehabilitation of existing homes. 9.Given the relationship of housing development to many different comprehensive plan elements, implement those strategies found in other sections of this plan in a manner consistent with and supportive of the housing goals and objectives, while ensuring that housing is developed in a manner which is appropriate and compatible with its surroundings. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 204 of 270 Multi-Jurisdictional and Collaborative Efforts 10.Encourage communities and housing service providers in the County to provide input to State and Federal agencies on housing needs and existing or proposed housing programs. 11.Work cooperatively with West Cap and local municipalities to pursue community development block grant funding and other housing assistance resources which encourage the development, renovation, and maintenance of safe, healthy, energy- efficient, and affordable housing stock. 12. Hudson, New Richmond and River Falls; planning agencies and related services providers should meet periodically to discuss housing trends, gaps in services, opportunities for resource sharing, and strategies for the St. Croix County housing needs of elderly, special needs and low-income residents. 13.Develop and provide copies of a St. Croix County Rural Living Guide to local communities. The guide should outline the traditional community norms and expectations for small town and rural residents. Encourage local realtors to provide copies to all perspective residents and local municipalities to provide copies to all new residents as part of the building permit/inspection process. 14.Provide local governments with the tools, resources, alternatives, and related benefits of preserving the character of historic residential areas; increasing the use of traditional neighborhood design techniques within or adjacent to established residential or incorporated areas; and, prioritizing infill development and encouraging rehabilitation and adaptive reuse. 15.Encourage utilization of all housing programs and agencies listed in this chapter. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 205 of 270 U TILITIES AND C OMMUNITY F ACILITIES St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 206 of 270 Utilities and Community Facilities Vision St. Croix County has worked with the utility companies to ensure appropriate utility corridors for electrical transmission, fiber optics, renewable energy systems, and future technological possibilities. The County is leading the way for its residents by making sure its existing and new buildings are environmentally and fiscally sound, and energy efficient. The County has well planned and maintained community facilities including utilities, sanitary sewer, wastewater, water supply, stormwater, solid waste and recycling, emergency services, hazard mitigation, education, parks and recreation facilities. St. Croix County has community and cultural centers that provide programs for all residents in particular older retirees and youth, and promote ways that active seniors can give their time and knowledge to their communities. The County works nicipalities to make sure that a range of community services are both available and accessible within a reasonable distance of municipal boundaries. The County has worked with municipalities to create a county-wide bicycle path that is useable in many sections in all seasons. St. Croix County is known for its strong college campuses as well as the K-12 school districts. These institutions are known for their innovative teachers and for providing exceptional educational opportunities for all. The schools produce well educated students who are good citizens and involved in many community issues. Introduction Utilities and community facilities provide the foundation on which a community is built and maintained. This chapter includes information about utilities, education facilities, emergency services, parks and recreation facilities, and community services and facilities in compliance with Wisconsin State Statute. Utilities and attract and retain residents, visitors, businesses, and industries. Wisconsin Comprehensive Planning Law (§66.1001) requires that comprehensive plans include a goals, maps and programs to guide the future development of utilities and community facilities in the local governmental unit Facilities located in the City of River Falls and Village of Spring Valley, are generally not included here given that these communities are largely located in Pierce County. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 207 of 270 Utilities and Community Facilities Issues and Opportunities Findings and Issues 1.In 2023, there were 18,109 private wastewater treatment systems in St. Croix County. This is an increase of 1,541 in total number of systems over 2010 (16,568). 2.All Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) are required to be inspected every three years, and most will need to be pumped at that time. 3.Recyclable materials collected in the County have generally increased from 2000 (3,729 tons) to 2020 (6,219.58 tons). 4.St. Croix County has a variety of assisted living facilities. Total capacity has increased from 2008 facilities, nursing home, and other related services could be a potential issue for the future. 5.Unique subsurface geologic conditions in St. Croix County may increase the susceptibility of groundwater to contamination in some areas. 6.Stormwater flooding has been an increasing concern in St. Croix County. 7.Gaps exist for access to broadband and providing fiber optic services. 8.Improving emergency services dispatch/response time is always important. Problems with duplicate road names, volunteer staff levels and non-compliant addresses may have to be addressed in the future. 9.Recruitment of new law enforcement personnel continues to be challenging. 10.St. Croix County has experienced commercial renewable energy system (i.e. solar, wind, anaerobic digestion) developments in the past decade 11.The rural towns in the County have limited community facilities, often times only a town hall, town shop, cemetery and/or recycling center. Rural towns and small communities often work together or with their larger neighbors to provide community and emergency services. Opportunities 1.It is becoming increasingly important that communities and local service providers consider alternatives and cooperative opportunities to provide needed services. Partnerships are crucial given that many critical community services are provided by private sector or non-profit entities. 2.The effectiveness of many services can be improved through county-wide coordination and multi-jurisdictional approaches, such as emergency management planning, recreation planning, and shared public infrastructure. 3.Increasing growth will result in increasing demand for services. As municipalities grow and change, the infrastructure, essential services, and related community facilities must evolve as well. 4.As the population is growing fast in the County, there are increasing demands for services and facilities. Facilities will need to be improved and/or replaced in the near future. This is a result of many aging facilities, new and expanding technology that can upgrade construction, and a focus on more sustainable design. An example of this is an increasing need for senior housing due to the aging population of the County. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 208 of 270 Utilities Sanitary Sewer & Wastewater Treatment each of these laws imposed subsequently greater restrictions upon the discharge of pollution into lakes, rivers, and streams. With the passage of the 1972 Clean Water Act, all discharges of pollution required a permit, the use of best management practices was encouraged, and billions of dollars were provided to construct sewage treatment plants. There are 22 total wastewater treatment facilities in the County including 16 municipal and sanitary district and 6 industrial, shown in the table below. The facilities require State municipal wastewater permits for the proper treatment of wastewater and discharge to either surface or ground water. The following list of treatment facilities was gathered from the WI Department of Natural Resources. For more information, gineering firm. Permitted Wastewater Receiving Water-body Total Flow in 2022 Average Flow in Permittee NamePermittee TypeDischarge(MG)2022 (MGD) Baldwin Creek - tributary to 1Baldwin WWTFMunicipalRush River123.7330.339 2Emerald Glenwood Sanitary District # 1MunicipalGroundwater0.8910.081 3Glenwood City WWTFMunicipalTiffany Creek48.643 4Glenwood City WWTFMunicipalGroundwater14.0650.0385 5Hammond WWTFMunicipalGroundwater37.05350.1015 6Houlton MHP LLCMunicipalGroundwater0 7Hudson Water Treatment PlantMunicipalGroundwater2.574 8Hudson WWTFMunicipalSaint Croix River113.0990.31 9New Richmond WWTFMunicipalWillow River231.2160.633 10Richmond Sanitary District #1MunicipalGroundwater00 11Roberts WWTFMunicipalEast Twin Lakes37.5740.103 12Somerset Village WWTFMunicipalApple River61.6320.169 13Star Prairie WWTFMunicipalApple River23.680.065 14Travel Centers of AmericaMunicipalGroundwater1.79030.0053 15Wilson WWTFMunicipalWilson Creek1.80.15 Woodville WWTFMunicipalGroundwater29.4540.398 16 17Cady Cheese LLCIndustrialGroundwater / Lohn Creek0.7680.003 18Lakeside Foods, Inc.IndustrialWillow River9.7150.131 19Lakeside Foods, Inc.IndustrialGroundwater71.066 20Molex LLC / Phillip MedisizeIndustrialPaper Jack Creek0.3070.00084 21NLMB Holding LLC / Norlake - RSGIndustrialGroundwater0.00095 22United Stars IncIndustrialGroundwater0.0079 Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, July 2023 Sewer Service Area Plans Urban Sewer Service Planning Committee and the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. The Plan was approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and serves as a basis for DNR approval of state and federal grants for planning and construction of wastewater treatment and sewerage facilities. The plan is a formal element of state areawide water quality management plans which are part of state administrative rules and requires identification of steep slopes, wetlands, shoreland areas, floodplains and closed depressions in the Plan area. The St. Croix County Community Development Department is the designated agency responsible for managing the plan at the local level to insure that sanitary sewer extensions are not negatively impacting sensitive environmental features within the Plan area. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 209 of 270 Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) Nearly all rural developments in St. Croix County use private on-site sewer systems. These systems can be divided into three basic types, listed below. In-Ground Gravity Systems Most systems in St. Croix County include a gravity flow design where waste flows from the home to the septic tank and from the septic tank into a soil absorption field (see Figure 3.2). The wastewater is purified as it moves down through the soil and Typical Septic System into the groundwater. Pressurized Systems Typically, pressurized systems can either be a mound, at-grade, or in-ground. These systems add a lift pump to pump the storage chamber and pressurize the entire system creating equal distribution of waste water flow. For all conventional systems, a soil depth of at least three feet is needed to adequately purify the wastewater before it discharges into the groundwater. Some areas of the naturally occurring soil in St. Croix County are unsuitable for proper operation of in-ground on-site sewer systems. When new systems are constructed in areas with less than 3 feet of suitable soil, additional sand is imported on-site to meet the minimum soil requirements and improve soil conditions. These systems are commonly referred to as mound systems. Holding Tank Systems A holding tank is an underground storage unit with no outlet into the soil. The contents of the tank must be pumped regularly and transferred to a proper disposal facility. Sanitary permits are required under state law. To obtain a permit, one must contact a Wisconsin-licensed master plumber who will complete the necessary forms and obtain the sanitary permit. The plumber is also responsible for installing the private sewage system. The Wisconsin Department Safety & Professional Services (SPS) regulates the siting, design, installation and inspection of most private on-site sewage systems in the State. Under SPS 383, Wisconsin counties can further regulate private on-site waste disposal systems through a sanitary code. St. Croix County has adopted the St. Croix County Sanitary Ordinance (Chapter 12) which is enforced through the County Planning and Zoning Department. The Zoning Office will review and file soil tests, issue State and County sanitary permits, and inspect the system during installation. The Wisconsin Fund administered by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services provides funding assistance to eligible landowners for the replacement or rehabilitation of failing private on-site wastewater treatment systems. Additional pretreatment systems are becoming more common for difficult sites or poor soils, or when an existing private septic system is failing on a small lot. Larger commercials operations in areas without municipal sewer may also be required to pretreat wastewater. These systems reduce the high levels of organic matter through aeration by treating wastewater in conjunction with a standard gravity or pressurized system. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 210 of 270 Number of Treatment Systems The graph shows the estimated number of Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) in each St. Croix County Town in ~10-year increments since pre- 1960. The number of systems in St. Croix County increased from 2010 (16,202) to 2023 (18,437). The Towns that experienced the highest increases from 2010 to 2023 include: Somerset (433), St. Joseph (396). Private onsite wastewater treatment systems can have a negative impact on groundwater if not installed correctly or if waste strength exceeds normal sewage. The map below shows rural sanitary system installations by year from pre-1980 (shown in yellow) to 2021 (shown in red). The data reveals the rural development pattern gradually moving from west to east and predominantly in the western Towns and along the I-94 corridor. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 211 of 270 Water Supply In the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act, Congress mandated that safe drinking water be provided to and paid for by the consumer. Today, Wisconsin water providers must provide an abundant water supply to their customers that is, not only safe, but also free of objectionable taste and odor, turbidity, and staining elements. While the amount of water treatment varies from community to community, water is typically treated for corrosion control, disinfection, and fluoridation prior to consumption. St. Croix County communities receive their water from groundwater sources. Groundwater sources in the area include drilled wells, dug wells, and screened wells with and without gravel packs. Drilled wells are typically the deepest wells and access large aquifers that are lower than the aquifers tapped for shallow private wells. Dug wells are considered the least desirable type, as they lack the 60-foot casing and cement grout now required of newly constructed wells to prevent contamination. Most dug wells in the area have been replaced. As will be discussed in the Natural Resources Section, unique subsurface geologic conditions exist in St. Croix County which increases the susceptibility of groundwater to contamination in some areas. The table below shows the active municipal and small community water supply systems in St. Croix County. Information provided by WI Department of Natural Resources in May 2023. Municipal & Community Water Systems in St. Croix County Est. Service Water Storage Most Recent Service Type#NameCity PopulationConnectsMetersCapacitySurvey 1GLENWOOD CITY WATERWORKSGLENWOOD CITY110237537323800010/13/2021 City 2HUDSON WATERWORKSHUDSON1763515121439827500003/10/2021 3NEW RICHMOND WATERWORKSNEW RICHMOND89094274239207/19/2021 4BALDWIN WATERWORKSBALDWIN4291177412033000001/31/2023 5HAMMOND WATERWORKSHAMMOND19227476062000007/9/2020 6ROBERTS WATERWORKSROBERTS187287643506/24/2021 Village 7SOMERSET WATERWORKSSOMERSET2854117364620000010/25/2022 8STAR PRAIRIE WATERWORKSSTAR PRAIRIE553249283500006/29/2020 9WILSON WATERWORKSWILSON1706274600003/11/2022 10WOODVILLE WATERWORKSWOODVILLE13865513831500002/2/2023 11COUNTRY COVE COURT LLCHUDSON1504112/9/2021 12COUNTRY VIEW HOLDINGS LLCSOMERSET75327/26/2022 13FOX COURTRIVER FALLS9049003/1/2022 14HILLTOP COURT MOBILE HOMESRIVER FALLS6438008/25/2020 Other 15HOULTON MHP LLCHOULTON17060009/27/2022 16HUNTINGTON MOBILE HOME PARKNEW RICHMOND52280012/6/2021 17NEW RICHMOND ESTATESNEW RICHMOND9531001/17/2022 18WALL STREET VILLAGENEW RICHMOND191907/20/2020 Source: WI DNR drinking water system portal, May 2023 Water storage facilities are classified as pressure tanks, ground reservoirs, or elevated storage tanks. The majority of public water storage facilities in the area are elevated storage facilities such as water towers. The capacity of the elevated storage facilities is a critical component of providing adequate fire protection via fire hydrants and related facilities. Capacity issues regarding water storage will be addressed in individual comprehensive planning and capital improvements planning efforts. Groundwater is discussed in greater detail within the natural resources chapter. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 212 of 270 Stormwater Management Stormwater management is important in order to reduce prevent soil erosion, mitigate flooding, and limit run- unincorporated areas of the County and include a site plan review process, stormwater management requirements, and erosion controls. All of the villages and cities, and some towns have adopted local subdivision regulations with variations of stormwater management and erosion control regulations. Communities approach stormwater management in a wide variety of ways and solutions are often site specific. For most of St. Croix County, as well as for most rural areas in the State, stormwater facilities are limited to ditches along roadways, combined with culverts under roads and drives. Many farmers also use drainage tile in their fields to drain stormwater in low areas. More developed areas, villages, and cities have a varying range of ditches, storm water retention areas, curb and gutter, and storm sewer. Most systems in both urban and rural settings use a combination of engineered stormwater solutions and natural approaches which take advantage of existing swales, creeks, ponds, or other potential storage areas. Municipalities in Census-defined urbanized areas, and municipalities with more than 10,000 populations, are 9 required by State and Federal law to develop a stormwater programs with measurable goals, required permitting, and educational efforts for municipal-owned stormwater conveyances which discharge to public waters. The cities of Hudson and New Richmond meet this threshold in St. Croix County. State law also requires landowners to develop an erosion control plan and obtain necessary Wisconsin DNR erosion control and stormwater discharge permits for all construction sites where one or more acres of land will be disturbed. The exceptions to this are for public buildings and Wisconsin DOT projects which have special regulations. Stormwater Utility Incorporated municipalities may create a stormwater utility that is responsible for maintaining and managing the surface water management system. Stormwater utilities have the ability to charge fees to generate revenue to support these activities. A stormwater management plan describes community-wide surface water management needs. This local tool is useful in determining actions to improve surface water quality and stormwater detention storage needs. Stormwater detention facilities are typically ponds that collect storm water and help prevent damage caused by large rainfalls and small-scale flooding. The St. Croix County municipality which participated in the plan. State funding for local governments is available to address runoff in priority watershed areas. Rules applicable to stormwater management can be found in the Federal Clean Water Act and Chapter NR 216, Wis. permitted under the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES). St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 213 of 270 Telecommunications Facilities Telecommunications facilities allow users to communicate and share data over long geographic distances. Telecommunications facilities and networks are critical components to public safety, economic development, and quality of life. Inventorying telecommunications facilities is difficult given the quickly changing nature of technology, ever-expanding service areas, and multitude providers in a deregulated market. Communities may need to identify their specific telecommunications issues and goals, prior to obtaining specific information and maps from their local telecommunications providers. The Existing Cell Tower Map below illustrates the locations of cellular towers in the County, from the 2021 County Broadband Study. With the adoption of the 1996 Federal Telecommunications Act regulating wireless communications providers, local and county government action on telecommunications has commonly focused on wireless communications towers. Access to wireless, seamless communication networks is becoming increasingly important in the modern world. Due to the increase in use of wireless communication for public safety and business and personal use, constructing telecommunication towers is an issue that many municipalities are addressing more often than in the past. St. Croix County has adopted a wireless communications ordinance as part of Chapter 15 of its Code of Ordinances. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 214 of 270 Broadband Internet Types of broadband connections: Fast, reliable broadband internet is desired by County Fiber optics carry lots of data using residents and required for most businesses. pulses of light through strands of fiber at the fastest speeds. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the definition of broadband Wireless broadband (Wi-Fi) connects a internet is a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 home or business to the internet using Mbps upload speeds. Broadband provides high speed radio signals instead of cables. internet access via multiple types of technologies Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) transmits including fiber optics, wireless, cable, DSL and data over traditional copper phone lines. satellite, all of which are available in most areas of the County. Coordination in the installation of fiber optic Cable delivers high speed internet over between internet providers is an issue. the same coaxial cables that deliver pictures and sound to your TV set. According to researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank, Satellite is provided by communication the social returns to investment in broadband are satellites and is often the best option in significant. Increasing access and usage of broadband rural areas. infrastructure in rural areas (and the amenities, digital skills, online education, and job search opportunities that come with it) lead to higher property values, increased job and population growth, higher rates of new business formation, and lower unemployment rates. St. Croix County conducted a broadband (high-speed internet) study in 2021 that included review and analysis of the current infrastructure and opportunities for improvement. The study included proposed new tower locations that would provide 91% coverage of rural address points shown in the Wireless Network Map. Design and implementation cost estimates for a variety of improvements and new facilities were included in the study. In 2022, the county implemented broadband grants to expand services in eight townships: Cylon, Emerald, Erin Prairie, Richmond, St. Joseph, Stanton, Star Prairie and Kinnickinnic. A County broadband Subcommittee is being formed to continue looking at additional broadband opportunities. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 215 of 270 Electric Utilities - Power Plants, Substations & Transmission Lines The Electric Services Map below shows electric infrastructure in the county. The Public Service Commission (PSC) is the branch of the Wisconsin State government with the overall responsibility of regulating electric utilities. Renewable Energy St. Croix County has experienced commercial renewable energy system (i.e. solar, wind, anaerobic digestion) developments in the past decade, shown in the 2023 Renewable Installations map, right (Source: Renew WI). In response to the development of renewable energy systems, the County has adopted ordinances to carefully consider the system impacts. Further research and amendments could include impact analysis of property values, access, maintenance, neighboring property separation, farm preservation, emergency management, de- commissioning, and aesthetics to protect the health, safety, and welfare of County residents and businesses. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 216 of 270 Natural Gas Utilities Natural gas is provided to the St. Croix County by four different gas companies. Large rural areas of the County do not have access to natural gas. The Natural Gas Service Map below shows those communities which have natural gas service in west central Wisconsin and the natural gas transmission lines. Service areas are shown by town, though natural gas service may not be available in all areas shown. Source: Wisconsin Public Service Commission & St. Croix County Land Information Recycling & Solid Waste Disposal Municipal solid waste is residential, multi-family and non-residential trash, recyclable materials, banned materials, separated materials and construction and demolition material. Proper management of municipal solid waste is important to the health and quality of life of residents and business owners. There are no active municipal solid waste landfills operating in St. Croix County. Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 287 requires that certain items are recycled, assigns responsibilities to Responsible Units (RU), and provides grant assistance for recycling programs. St Croix County is the RU for 26 of 35 municipalities in the county and assists local municipalities with recycling programs; provides education and information to the public; manages, disperses funds, completes reporting on grant programs and holds a special collection event for household and agricultural hazardous wastes; along with collection events for tires, appliances and electronics. The County adopted a Waste Reduction Plan in 2018 and enforces County Code Chapter 21 Municipal Solid Waste Reduction, Recovery, and Recycling. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 217 of 270 Recycling Tons The table and graph below show recycling tons from 2000-2022. Source: St. Croix County Recycling All municipalities in St. Croix County have a recycling program. The municipal collection programs vary from contracted curbside collection of recyclables to municipal recycling centers. There are 14 municipal recycling drop-offs in St. Croix County. There are many reasons for the increased tons including population growth, increased awareness, increased opportunities, data collection improvements, hauler technological improvements, recycling ordinance enforcement and member partnerships. Recycling Tonnages - St. Croix County Responsible Unit Communities Community20002005201020162020202120222023 Recycling Services Municipal Private Municipal TonsTonsTonsTonsTonsTonsTons CurbsideCurbsideDrop-off Towns Baldwin17.9246.0943.2947.3365.45557.82XX Eau Galle41.3872.41103.4398.33121104.5398.45X Emerald014.5622.0937.4862.452.4157.82XX Erin Prairie0016.510.1721.6355.3456.07XX Glenwood32.9930.0824.7623.6662.452.4157.82XX Hammond55.9971.22149.87123.68135.41118.89131.94XX Hudson615.24983.07919.8818.72748.89760.06786.68X Kinnickinnic6.0688.05110.84139.02153.15219.9156.92XX Pleasant Valley24.7341.4651.128.4240.9452.5750.53XX Richmond42.9629.54173.07839.56365.42392.13449.62XX Rush River8.4122.5325.2214.9512.5912.1611.39XX St. Joseph303.45375.75351.28258.25281.01299.62305.49X Somerset80.990.3204.96155.8238.87260.91260.09XX Springfield30.8612.9826.9826.125.122.5527.3XX Stanton18.1417.878.8429.1245.7478.7279.44XX Star Prairie00160.4483.6179.15104.56138.38X Troy95.17115.11411.29508.7514.29494.46513.33XX Subtotal 1374.22010.952873.763242.92973.393136.223239.09 Villages/Cities V. Baldwin236.54328.98264.25312.6483.49410.34358.86X V. Deer Park/T. Cylon23.1417.8211.939.9222.9920.3729.01XX V. Hammond78.55162.87165.21111.56121.92144.74137.39X V. North Hudson323.94491.53522.7358.07314385.31392.27X V. Somerset6277.449.763.93243287270X V. Star Prairie41.1386.8786.856.848.57.516X V. Woodville66.92127.89104.3594.71171.02152.87104.34X C. Hudson820.721758.331170.091155.371154.081109.851174.67X C. New Richmond701.94455.5781416.21727.19655.65598.53XX Subtotal 2354.883507.193156.082529.213246.193173.633081.07 St. Croix County Total 3729.085518.146029.845772.116219.586309.856320.16N/A Source: St. Croix County Community Development Annual Reports to DNR St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 218 of 270 Educational Facilities St. Croix County residents are served by a wide assortment of educational facilities at the elementary, primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. In addition, some facilities offer preschool, kindergarten, special education, religious, business, industrial, trade, and vocational training. The specialized educational opportunities, such as Head Start, tend to be clustered in the larger communities. Overall, municipalities in the County generally have a limited role in the planning and function of educational facilities, primarily relying on the educational institution itself for required planning and operations. St. Croix County Area Libraries Libraries 1.Somerset Public Library Communities in St. Croix County are served by the 11 primary 2.Deer Park Public Library libraries listed below. The county participates in the Inspiring 3.Friday Memorial Library (New and Facilitating Library Success (IFLS) system. The Library Hudson School District Richmond) System assists and connects these local libraries through the 4.Glenwood City Public Library sharing of materials, computer library cataloging, training 5.Hammond Community Library assistance, cataloging of materials, web hosting, and outreach 6.Hazel Mackin Community support. Additional information is availa Library (Roberts) website. Library facilities are also available at Wisconsin 7.Hudson Area Library Northwood Technical College, UW-River Falls, and in adjacent 8.River Falls Public Library communities outside St. Croix County (e.g., Spring Valley). The 9.Somerset Public Library planning and operation of libraries are the primarily the 10.Spring Valley Public Library responsibility of the library board, often working 11.Woodville Community Library collaboratively with the local school district, library system, and community. Private Schools Private School enrollment has decreased from 2010 (900) to 2023 (870) as shown in the table below. The majority of the private schools do not have grade levels above 8th grade. The number of schools has also reduced since 2010 from 7 to 5. The information below was gathered from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, that registers private school enrollment numbers reported on a voluntary basis. Local communities typically do not participate in the planning and function of these private schools. Private School Enrollment St. Croix County Public School District AreaPrivate Schools201022-2023 Baldwin Christian School5756 Baldwin-Woodville Area Peniel Christian School12na Good Shepard Christian Academy7na Hudson St. Patrick Catholic School356222 Trinity Lutheran School221270 New Richmond116204 SomersetSt. Anne Grade School137118 Total Enrollment 900870 Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs) other and with the Department of Public Instr districts as priorities; often several schools jointly share CESA services. All public school districts in St. Croix County fall within CESA District #11 which is located in Turtle Lake. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 219 of 270 Public Schools Public education for grades K-12 is available for all Wisconsin residents. The graph and table below show the public school enrollment change from 2010 to 2022 for 6 primary districts in St. Croix County. Other districts that are largely located in neighboring counties are not recorded in the table and graph. There are eleven school districts in St. Croix County. School district boundaries are determined by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Public Schools in St. Croix County 2022 2010 2022 Numeric DistrictPublic SchoolsTotal EnrollmentEnrollment Change District 1Baldwin-Woodville High465477 12 2 Baldwin-Woodville Area Greenfield Elementary612877 265 1747 3Viking Middle 467393-74 4Glenwood City Elementary381301-80 5Glenwood City High210191-19 Glenwood City 632 6Glenwood City Jr. high132140 8 7Transitional Skills Center8na 8Houlton Elementary206233 27 9Hudson High1,6491,826 177 10Hudson Middle1,2171,158-59 11Hudson Prairie Elementary524499-25 Hudson 5120 12North Hudson Elementary362281-81 13River Crest Elementary535396-139 14Rock Elementary519424-95 15Willow River Elementary425303-122 16New Richmond High 8611054 193 17New Richmond Hillside Elementary566536-30 18New Richmond Middle611788 177 New Richmond 3256 19New Richmond Paperjack Elementary287333 46 20New Richmond Starr Elementary494545 51 21NR4Kids Charter School216na 22St. Croix Central Elementary582658 76 23St. Croix Central High 358498 140 St. Croix Central 1855 24St. Croix Virtual Academy 253 253 25St. Croix Central Middle385446 61 26Somerset Elementary692557-135 27 Somerset Somerset High460464 4 1455 28Somerset Middle444434-10 Total Enrollment28 Schools13,66814,065397 Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, WI Department of Public Instruction St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 220 of 270 Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education Wisconsin has a very strong technical college system that works closely with industry, businesses, and the public sector to provide practical workforce training in a wide variety of fields. The State is divided into sixteen vocational districts with a technical college serving each district with a variety of classes, seminars, and vocational degree programs. Technical college programs include apprenticeships, staff development, agriculture, marketing, driver education, health careers, law enforcement, home economics, trade and industrial, and adult education. St. Croix County is located within two vocational districts including Chippewa Valley and Northwood shown in the map below. Enrollment for credit has decreased at both Northwood Technical and Chippewa Valley Technical shown in the graph below. The decrease in enrollment may be attributed to advances in online education. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 221 of 270 University of Wisconsin System The following graph and tables show enrollment comparisons for the total University of Wisconsin system and the 3 campuses in the west central region. The UW system consists of two doctoral research universities (UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee), eleven comprehensive universities, thirteen two-year colleges, and the Statewide UW-Extension system. West central Wisconsin is home to three comprehensive universities: UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout (Menomonie), and UW-River Falls. Enrollment of University of Wisconsin System All Campuses 20182019202020212022 Total Enrollment 167,688171,636 164,766 162,980 160,782 Percent Change-2.30%-1.74%-1.08%-1.35% Number Change-3948-2922-1786-2198 Source: University of Wisconsin System Enrollment of UW Campuses in West Central Wisconsin 1998-99 2007-2008 #Change #Change CampusEnrollmentEnrollment2022-202399-0808-23 UW-Eau Claire 10,852 8,92310,854 2-1,931 UW-River Falls 5,617 4,7726,452 835-1,680 UW-Stout 773184777234746-1,243 Total24,20025,78320,9291,583-4,854 Source: College Campus websites Other Colleges and Universities There are no independent colleges or universities located in west central Wisconsin which are fully accredited, degree-granting, and a member of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 222 of 270 Emergency Services Communications St. Croix county Emergency Communications Center provides dispatch services for all emergency services in the county, law enforcement, ambulance, fire and first responders. The county has provided enhanced 911 services since 1984. In 2023, the county implemented the use of next generation 911 (NG911). This upgrade was necessary to keep up with the need to be able to provide emergency response in a growing wireless and mobile society. NG911 is map data driven and is reliant on the use of GIS mapping technology to maintain the base address, road centerline, and other related 911 data. The Community Development maintain, and continuously improve the GIS data. The county also provides emergency service coordination in the event of a natural disaster and a mobile command station is available. The county is continuously evaluating emergency response services in terms of timeframes and ways to improve service. There are continuing concerns with duplicate road names that may have to be addressed in the future. Improving response time is always a concern with local communities and residents. Law Enforcement Law enforcement services fall under the statewide Wisconsin mutual aid agreement, with additional support and coordination through Wisconsin Emergency ManagementEmergency Police Services in times of crisis. Overall, most planning and operations related to law enforcement occurs at the local level, though there is a high level of coordination with the County on communications and overall emergency management concerns. A challenge facing the Department today is recruitment of law enforcement staff. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 223 of 270 Wisconsin State Patrol response providers and local governments through emergency operations planning, training, coordination, crisis response, and recovery. In addition to County and local emergency operating plans which encompass the entire County, the St. Croix County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan was adopted in 2018 which identifies proactive strategies to mitigate the potential impacts of a natural hazard event. Fire Departments Eleven fire departments provide fire protection for St. Croix County communities, and each gives mutual aid to neighboring departments in responding to large-scale emergencies. The fire districts for St. Croix County are shown on the map below. Ambulance There are seven emergency management service areas in St. Croix County as shown on the map below. Overall, most planning and operations related to ambulance and rescue services occurs at the local level or is undertaken by the private, contracted firm, though some coordination occurs with local hospitals and with the County on communications and emergency management. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 224 of 270 First Responders WI Department of Health Services administers license/certification information for current and prospective Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services (EMS) practitioners and Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), including the application and renewal process. First responders are trained in medical techniques, medical equipment, patient assessment, and emergency scene management beyond basic first aid. First responders respond directly from their home (or other location) to the scene of an emergency. At the scene, the responders provide critical medical care until an ambulance arrives. First responders are sometimes associated with local fire departments, and many firefighters also have first responder training. First responder service is contracted by the local municipality, shown in the EMS Area Map below. Hazardous Materials Response Planning and exercises regarding hazard materials is coordinated through the St. Croix County Emergency Management Office in conjunction with the St. Croix County Local Emergency Preparedness Committee. Every six years, the County participates in Federally required training involving the Prairie Island Nuclear on hazardous materials incidents and the Prairie Island facility, please refer to the St. Croix County All Hazards Mitigation Plan. As needed, the West Central Wisconsin Regional Response Team, based in the Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire Fire Departments, can be contacted for Hazardous Materials Response reconnaissance and research support. This Level A team can also be requested to respond to the most serious of spills and releases requiring the highest level of skin and respiratory protective gear. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 225 of 270 Parks & Recreation Facilities Visitors and residents of St. Croix County have many recreational opportunities. There are parks, trails, boat landings, canoe landings and campgrounds. The majority of park and recreational planning in St. Croix County occurs at the local level or, for County and State facilities, under the direction of St. Croix County Parks Department and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Primary Parks in St. Croix County table on the following page lists over 90 parks and recreation facilities in the County. St. Croix County Outdoor Recreation Plan was updated and approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2022. A state-reviewed outdoor recreation plan, adopted within the previous five years, is required to receive recreational grant funds from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The St. Croix County Outdoor Recreation Plan serves a planning document for the development of parks and outdoor recreation facilities over the next five years. County has 9,598 surface acres of water fishing lakes and 80.9 miles of trout fishing on 27 streams. Its primary rivers: the St. Croix, Willow, Apple, Kinnickinnic, Rush and Eau Galle offer boating, fishing, swimming and natural scenery. The St. Croix, Willow, and Apple rivers are popular canoe waters. Tubing on the Apple River in the Somerset area is a regionally known attraction. The Somerset Amphitheatre in Float-Rite Park draws thousands each summer to outdoor concerts. There are 15 named lakes and flowages in the County. Of these, four, Bass Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake Mallalieu and Lake St. Croix and the St. Croix River, are large enough to accommodate water skiing, sailing and larger pleasure boats. There is one state park in St. Croix County. Willow River State Park is located in the southwestern portion of St. Croix County, east of Hudson. The park consists of 2,891 acres of prairie, forests, and river scenery. Willow River State Park has a campground, a boat launch, and a 400-foot beach and picnic area centered on 172- acre Little Falls Lake. Willow River State Park draws more than 900,000 visitors each year. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy 13 golf courses and three shooting ranges which are open to the public. During winter months, residents can enjoy over 247 miles of groomed, public snowmobile trails, approximately 40 miles of cross-country ski trails are available at numerous of locations (e.g., Homestead Parklands, Glen Hills Park, Willow River State Park, several golf courses). The Badlands Recreation Area in the Town of Hudson is popular for snowboarding, snow tubing, and skiing. Many communities also provide ice-skating rinks. There are approximately 36 miles of hiking trails in state, county and community parks in St. Croix County. In addition there are two off-road recreation trails. The Willow River trail runs through a portion of Willow River State Park. It has been proposed to extend this trail to the northeast, eventually connecting with the Cattail State Trail in Amery and the Wild Rivers State Trail in Rice Lake. The new Eckert Blufflands County Park is along the St. Croix River just north of Hudson and consists of nearly 170 acres of wooded upland, deep ravines, former agricultural fields, over 100-foot high river bluffs, and more than half a mile of river shoreline. The Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan was approved on February 1, 2022 that includes planned park improvements. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 226 of 270 Primary Parks in St. Croix County OwnerFacilityFacility TypeLocationNotes 1 Federal, U.S. Army Corp. Eng Eau Galle Recreation Area750 acres, park/campT. Cadyequestrian trails 2 Federal, National Park Service St. Croix National Scenic Riverwayspecialalong St. Croix Riverboat launches 3 State of Wisconsin Willow River State Park2891 acres, park/campT. Hudson, St. Joseph 4Apple River Property59 acres, park/day useT. Star Prairiehunting, fishing, canoe launch 5Bass Lake Boat Landing2 acres, boat rampT. Somersetboat landing 61campsites,beach,golf,boatrental,hiking, Glen Hills Park700 acres, park/campT. Springfield 6snowmobile 7Eckert Blufflands170 acres, park/campT. St. Josephriver bluffs, forests, future: camping, fishing, hiking 8Homestead Parklands-Perch Lake80 acres, park/day useT. St. Josephfishing, swimming, boat rentals St. Croix County 9Loop TrailTrailT. St. Joseph4 mile interstate trail over St. Croix 10Orf Overlook15 acres, park/day useT. Somersetscenic overlook, hiking, fishing, shelter 11Pine Lake Park10 acres, park/day useT. Erin Prairiefishing, boat landing, picnic shelter 12Troy Beach5 acres, beach/day useT. Troybeach, picnic area 13Stanton County Forest40 acres, forestT. Kinnickinnichunting, hiking, berry picking 14Kinnickinnic County Forest80 acres, forestT. Kinnickinnichunting, hiking, berry picking 15Wildwood TrailTrailEau Galle7 mile trail Towns 16 Cylon Cylon Community Parkparkpicnic area 17 Hudson Hudson Town Parkpark/sportsTown Hall, ballfields 18 Pleasant Valley Town Hall Play Areaparkat Town Hallplayground, picnic 19 St. Joseph St. Joseph Town ParksportsCTH E & Vbaseball, sledding, skiing 20 Stanton Town Hall Play Areaparkat Town Hallplayground, picnic 21 Troy Glover Parkpark/sportsGlover Road40 ac 22Community Parkpark/sports Warren 23Pemble's Accessconservancyseasonal use Villages 24Bailey ParkparkE. Main St.playground 25Baldwin Winter Greenpark/campHwy 63sledding, primitive camp. 26Mill Pond Parkpark/sportsE. Maple St.softball, soccer, etc. Baldwin 27Little Creek Parkpark/sports6th Ave.playground, basketball 28Windmill Parkpark/waysideHwy 63 & Park Sttourist center 29Creamery Parkpark 30 Deer Park Deer Park Community Parkpark/sportsMain St.softball, volleyball, etc 31Hammond Community Parkpark/sportsPark St.softball, skating, playground Hammond 32Village Recreation Area parkHwy 121 ac, playground 33Hiking/Walking Trailtrailaround the village2.5 miles 34Brown's Beachbeach3rd Ave.50-foot sand beach 35Eagle Woods ParkparkDeer Pathplayground 36Glen Oaks Parkpark4th St.playground, history, basketball 37Green's Woodcrest Parkpark/openPartridge Lanetrails 38Jensen Memorial ParkopenLund Streetpassive rec. North Hudson 39Pepper Fest Parkpark/events7th St.Pepperfest, skating, playground 40Sommers Landing Parkpark/sportsNorth End Rd.soccer 41St. Croix Station ParkforestStation Lane8.59 ac 42Webster ParkforestWebster St.2.55 ac 43Woodcrest Parkpark10th St.playground, trail 44 Roberts Roberts Community Parkpark/sportsfestival, softball, playground 45Somerset Village Parkpark/sportsRiver St.baseball, canoe access, trail Somerset 46Veteran's Memorial Parkpark/sportsParnell St.memorial, playground, volleyball 47Larry Forrest Memorial Parkpark/sportsplayground, ballfields 48Star Prairie Community Parkpark/sportsballfield, tennis, playground Star Prairie 49River Island Parkparkalong Apple Riverfishing, canoeing 50Lyngaas Nature CenterconservancySaratoga Avenue25 ac, trails 51 Wilson Wilson Community Parkpark/sportsWilson & Mainsoftball, playground 52 Woodville Steven Memorial Parkpark/sportssoftball, playground, etc Cities 53Hinman Parkpark/sports6beach, playground 54Glenwood City Picnic AreaParkHwy. 1288 acres Glenwood City 55Glenwood City BallfieldSports/eventsCounty fairgrounds 56City skating rinkSportsE. Oak St.0.5 acres 57Anderson ParkParkRiver Ridge RdPlayground, tennis, basketball 58Bandshellbandshell1st St. 59Birkmose ParkPark/historicCoulee Rd.Indian burial mounds, scenic overlook 60Bridge Street AreaOpenNorth St.Views of Lake St. Croix 61Burton FieldSports9Ballfields, skating, playground 62Coons HillOpenWisconsin St.Sledding 63Grandview ParkSports/dog parkCarmichaelBallfields, batting cage, dog park 64Lakefront ParkPark/beach1Swimming, sailboat, seawall Hudson Lake Mallalieu Boat Launch - Corky's PierBoat Launch2nd St.Fishing dock, parking 65 66Meadows ParkParkCanary WayPlay area 67Prospect ParkParkWisconsin St.Overlook, playground, shelter 68Vine St. SquareOpenVine St.5 ac. Sledding 69Webster ParkOpenLaurel Ave.2 ac. Play area 70Williams ParkParkLaurel Ave.4 ac. Playgrounds 71Weitkamp ParkParkO'Neil Rd. Play area, benches 72Cherokee ParkOpenRiver Drive1.75 ac., ballfield 73Citizen FieldSports/events3Football, baseball, festival 74Cyclone ParkHistoricalSTH 65Historical marker 75Glover ParkPark/events1Historic, concerts 76Greaton ParkParkGrand Ave.3.6 ac play area 77Hemenway ParkPark2Fishing 78MaRita ParkParkMinnesota Ave.0.6 ac 79Mary ParkPark/eventsGreen Ave. N.Playground, sports, art fair 80Mill Pond WalkTrailMill PondHiking 81Monette ParkPart/sportsSomerset St.Playground, sports 82New Richmond Nature CenterConservationSTH 641 mile nature trail New Richmond 83Northside ParkPark2Playground, iceskating 84Paperjack & Greenway ParkPark/museumCTH GGPlayground, prairie, historic 85Pine Bluff ParkOpenGrand Ave.9.5 ac., undeveloped 86Sports CenterSports5Ice skating 87Victoria Memorial ParkParkSTH 64Field games 88Woodland Creek ParkParkCTH APlayground 89Doar Prairie SavannaConservationWest SideUndeveloped 90Fox Run ParkUndevelopedEast SideUndeveloped 91Ted McCabe ParkBus. 64 92L.G. Peterson ParkBus. 64 93Dog Park 94Freedom ParkUndeveloped140Undeveloped Source: Verify information with the local municipality St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 227 of 270 Community Services Medical Facilities The table below lists the general medical clinics and hospitals in St. Croix County. The information was only available for three of the listed medical facilities. Medical facilities are becoming increasingly important regional assets, improving the health of residents, while offering an important source of employment and a better quality of life. Overall, most planning and operations related to medical facilities is undertaken by the private hospital or clinic, and includes little involvement of the local community. Clinics and Hospitals in St. Croix County Approx. Capacity LocationFacility Name 20122023 Western Wisconsin Health Hospital2525 Baldwin Baldwin Clinic Glenwood City Hudson Hospital and Clinic2525 Hudson Hudson Medical Center Hudson Physicians (WWMA) Westfields Hospital2525 Cancer Center Clinic New Richmond Family Medical Surgical Center New Richmond Medical Center Roberts Western Wisconsin Health Somerset Somerset Clinic Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides capacity for hospitals only Senior Centers Centers are located in nine sites throughout St. Croix County. Each offers senior assistance and information, meals, activities and entertainment. Each is an independent non-profit with an onsite manager. 1.Baldwin Senior Center 6.River Falls Senior Center 2.Deer Park Senior Center 7.Central Senior Center 3.Glenwood City Senior Center 8.Somerset Senior Center 4.Hudson Senior Center 9.Woodville Senior Center 5.New Richmond Senior Center Communities may need to consider population and demographic trends compared to the capacity of available assisted living facilities and nursing homes in their area to help determine if needs are being met. ilability of such facilities could be a potential issue for the future. There is a large variety of additional supportive services available to the elderly and those with disabilities, ranging from in-home support to transportation to financial services to social activities. Such services are provided through a mix of governmental and non-profit institutions, often relying on volunteer services. Further information is available on their website. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 228 of 270 Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes & Senior Programs Senior care facilities are becoming increasingly important regional assets to meet the changing needs of our aging population in a manner that permits residents to age with dignity. The WI Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is in charge of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people who use health and residential care services in Wisconsin. In November 2022, Wisconsin Hospital Association published an article stating that Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a historic funding increase for Wisconsin nursing homes. The article also stated that more than 2,000 nursing home beds had closed since the beginning of the pandemic, that occurred in winter 2019. Wisconsin Statute §150.31 states a maximum number of licensed nursing home beds statewide in order to budget accurately for medical assistance and to allocate fiscal resources most appropriately. The table below lists the assisted living facilities and nursing homes in St. Croix County, along with their capacities. 4. St. Croix County assisted living total capacity has increased from 2008 (893) to 2023 (1,242). These facilities are organized by five types: 1.Adult Family Homes provides residence and care for up to four adults of minimum age 18 who are not related to the operator, with up to seven hour per week of nursing care per resident. Counties certify one- and two-bed adult family homes, while the State licenses homes with three or four adults. 2.Community-Based Residential Facilities are a place where five or more adults reside who receive care, treatment, or services that are above the level of room and board, but includes not more than three hours of nursing care (at the intermediate level or below) per week per resident. These facilities often provide services to a particular group, such as persons with dementia, developmental disabilities, or mental health problems. CBRFs are licensed by the State. 3.Residential-Care Apartment Complexes are independent-living apartments where five or more adults reside which are provided up to 28 hours per week of supportive and/or nursing services. These complexes may be a distinct part of a nursing home or community-based residential facility and are certified by the State. 4.Nursing Homes provide constant nursing care and supportive services to residents who have significant deficiencies with activities of daily living. Residents are typically the elderly, younger adults with physical disabilities, and those requiring rehabilitative therapies. Nursing homes are licensed by the State. 5.Adult Day Care Centers provide respite for caregivers and supervised cognitive and physical stimulation for participants in a safe and comfortable environment. The adult day respite program in St. Croix County, Day Away Club, is offered four days a week, six hours a day at three sites, Hudson, New Richmond and Woodville. It is a social model (does not offer personal care assistance) that provides structured activities for the brain and body to maintain functional fitness. The county does not have a residential respite program under the medical model (offers personal care assistance.) St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 229 of 270 Assisted Living Facilities in St. Croix County Facility TypeFacility NameCity/VillageCapacity 1AURORA RESIDENTIAL ALTERNATIVES INC 037NEW RICHMOND4 2BEAR CREEK HOUSENEW RICHMOND4 3CHRIS HOMES LLCNEW RICHMOND4 COMFORTCAREHOMESANDSERVICESLLCALPINE NEW RICHMOND4 4RIDGE 5HOMETOWN SENIOR LIVINGHUDSON4 6Keela HouseHudson3 7MEADOW VIEWNEW RICHMOND4 8NORTHGATENEW RICHMOND4 9NORTHSIDENEW RICHMOND4 10Adult Family Homes NORTHWEST TRANSITIONSNEW RICHMOND4 11OAKSIDENEW RICHMOND4 12PINE VIEWNEW RICHMOND4 13REM DOMANNEW RICHMOND4 14REM NAMEKAGON LOOPHUDSON4 15REM WISCONSIN III INC 117THHUDSON4 16REM WISCONSIN INC PHEASANT RUNNEW RICHMOND4 17THUNDERWILLOW RESIDENTIAL 001NEW RICHMOND4 18THUNDERWILLOW RESIDENTIAL 002NEW RICHMOND4 19THUNDERWILLOW RESIDENTIAL 003NEW RICHMOND4 20WINDSOR POND HOUSENEW RICHMOND4 21AURORA RES ALT NEW RICHMOND 005NEW RICHMOND8 22AURORA RESIDENTIAL ALTERNATIVES 023BALDWIN6 23BIRCH HAVENBALDWIN38 24CAMBRIDGE SENIOR LIVINGHUDSON72 25COMFORTS OF HOME BALDWINBALDWIN15 26COMFORTS OF HOME HUDSONHUDSON41 27COMFORTS OF HOME HUDSON IIHUDSON40 28DEERFIELD (THE)NEW RICHMOND17 29Community-Based EXODUS HOUSEHUDSON12 30Residential FacilitiesGLENHAVEN INC DBA GRAND OAKS CBRFGLENWOOD CITY16 31J AND J HILLSIDE HOLLOW LLCGLENWOOD CITY8 32KITTY RHOADES MEMORIAL MEMORY CARE CENTERNEW RICHMOND10 33LEGACY PINES ASSISTED LIVINGNEW RICHMOND8 34ORCHARD VIEW TERRACENEW RICHMOND48 35OUR HOUSE NEW RICHMOND MEMORY CARENEW RICHMOND15 36PINE RIDGE ASSISTED LIVINGHUDSON42 37RED CEDAR CANYON ASSISTED LIVINGHUDSON16 38WOODLAND HILLHUDSON81 BIRCHWOOD APARTMENTSBALDWIN23 39 40DEERFIELD (THE)NEW RICHMOND17 41DEERFIELD TERRACE (THE)NEW RICHMOND12 42HAVENWOOD LLCGLENWOOD CITY16 Residential Care 43HERITAGE COURTHAMMOND12 Apartment Complex 44PARK PLACE APARTMENTSWOODVILLE18 45PARK PLACE APARTMENTS NORTHWOODVILLE9 46RED CEDAR CANYON ASSISTED LIVING LLCHUDSON53 47WELLHAVEN SENIOR APARTMENTS LLCRIVER FALLS60 48WINTERGREENHUDSON22 49PARK VIEW HOMEWOODVILLE50 50HAMMOND HEALTH SERVICESHAMMOND50 51DEERFIELD CARE CENTER, LLCNEW RICHMOND50 52BALDWIN CARE CENTER, INCBALDWIN50 Nursing Homes 53GLENHAVEN, INCGLENWOOD CITY44 54ST CROIX HEALTH CENTERNEW RICHMOND50 55CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY HOMEHUDSON50 56KINNIC HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTERRIVER FALLS68 Adult Day Care J AND J HILLSIDE HOLLOW ADULT DAY PROGRAMGLENWOOD CITY16 57Centers Total1242 Source: WI Department of Health Adult care facility types directories individually as of 5/31/2023 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 230 of 270 Licensed Child Care Facilities in St. Croix County Area CityDay Care NameCapacity Child Care Services 1ALEXA'S DAYCARE8 Wisconsin State Law requires that 2ALLI'S DAYCARE8 anyone caring for four or more children 3JENI'S DAY CARE8 Baldwin 4BEAR BUDDIES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CEN80 under the age of seven years who are 5KIDDY COUNTRY CARE38 unrelated to the provider obtain a 6PEACE CHILD CARE43 license through the Department of 7LITTLE ACORNS LEARNING CENTER37 Glenwood City 8HILLTOPPER HANGTIME100 Children and Families. The table below 9FLUTTERBY CHILD CARE8 is a list of State licensed child care Hammond 10SUNSHINES BRIGHT BEGINNINGS8 facilities in St. Croix County. 11ABC TRAIL PRESCHOOL8 12BUSY BEES DAY CARE8 Communities may need to consider 13FANFARE CHILDCARE8 population and demographic trends 14G'S JOURNEYS DAYCARE8 compared to the capacity of available 15JANSEN'S DAY CARE8 16KIM'S LEARNING HOUSE CHILD CARE8 child care in their area to help determine 17LOVE THE LITTLE ONES CHILD CARE8 if child care needs of the community are 18TERRIFIC TOTS DAYCARE8 being met. 19TERRI'S TOTS6 20BEAR BUDDIES CHILD DEV CTR100 Hudson 21BETHEL HIGHLANDS PRESCH95 22HUDSON COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S CTR50 23JOYFUL NOISE PRESCHOOL18 24KINDERCARE LEARNING CTR132 25LITTLE NEWTONS163 26NORTHSTAR EARLY LEARNING CENTER110 27SIMPLY GIGGLE MONTESSORI 4K45 28SIMPLY LITTLE DAYCARE54 29TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD ACADEMY116 30TRINITY WRAP-CARE PRESCHOOL50 31YMCA CAMP ST CROIX120 32CHRISTY'S FAMILY CHILDCARE8 33BEAR BUDDIES CHILD DEV CTR110 34BLOSSOMING MINDS EARLY LEARNING CT50 35FIRST LUTHERAN CHILDCARE CENTER136 New Richmond 36NEW RICHMOND AREA CENTRE100 37NEW RICHMOND CESA 11 HEAD START37 38RONDA'S HOME AWAY FROM HOME20 39SONSHINE LEARNING ACADEMY69 40SONSHINE LEARNING CENTER120 41ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN LEARN CTR100 42CHILDREN OF FAITH PRESCHOOL18 River Falls 43LITTLE ADVENTURES CC CTR INC104 44LITTLE ADVENTURES CHILD CARE100 45JANET'S HOME CHILD CARE8 46ALL MY FRIENDS CHILDCARE LLC40 Roberts 47BRIGHT STAR LEARNING CENTER43 48CENTRAL KIDS CARE80 49LITTLE CUBS CHILDCARE8 50PLAY-2-LEARN8 51SANDY'S DAY CARE8 Somerset 52SHEL'S HEART AND HANDS CHILDCARE8 53RAYS OF SONSHINE89 54SPARTAN KIDS CLUB80 55 Woodville KIDS VIEW LEARNING CENTER50 Source: WI Department of Health Child Care directory as of 05/30/2023 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 231 of 270 Cemeteries The following table lists the cemeteries in St. Croix County as identified by the St. Croix County Register of Deeds. This list does not necessarily include all smaller cemeteries, family plots or Native American burial sites. Individual community plans may include more information. St. Croix County Cemeteries CommunityCemetery Cities/Villages C. Glenwood CityGlenwood City, AKA Oakwood C. HudsonSt. Patrick's Catholic; Willow River ImmaculateConceptionCatholic;NewRichmond,AKAMasonic;St.CroixCountyHealthCenter,AKASt.Croix C. New Richmond County Poor Farm C. River FallsGreenwood, AKA River Falls V. BaldwinBaldwin V. Hammond V. Somerset V. Wilson LonePine,AKAZionLutheran;Southside,AKAWoodvilleOldMethodist,WoodvilleSmallVillage;Sunset V. Woodville Memorial, AKA Norwegian Towns BaldwinImmanuel Evangelical Lutheran, AKA German Lutheran Cady CylonHoly Rosary, AKA Cylon Catholic; Calvary, AKA Deer Park; Cylon Methodist; Private Gravesites Eau GalleBrookville, AKA Wildwood EmeraldGreenwood Erin PrairieSt. Patrick's Catholic Forest GlenwoodSt. John the Baptist Catholic HammondHawkins, HudsonScott Family, AKA Willow River State Park KinnickinnicKinnickinnic Pleasant Valley RichmondMount Hope, AKA Boardman NorthRushRiverLutheran;Woodside,AKAPeaceLutheran;MountOlivet(partinPierceCo.),AKACenterville& Rush River County Line St. JosephHoulton; Emmanuel German Lutheran AKA Immanuel German Lutheran; Thelen Family Cemetery SomersetPioneer SpringfieldOakwood, AKA Hersey Stanton Star PrairieOakland, AKA Huntington TroyGerman Settlement AKA Schwalen; Old Mann Valley, Carlson Lane (Mann Valley is in Pierce County) WarrenWarren, AKA Roberts Source: St. Croix County Register of Deeds St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 232 of 270 Community Facilities St. Croix County The table below provides a brief list of the primary county government facilities in St. Croix County which may be of importance during comprehensive planning efforts. The need for future facilities will be driven by demand for services and resources available to meet those demands. St. Croix County Government Buildings Year Facility and LocationBuilding TypeSq. Ft.Site Built Courthouse/Jail /Huber/ Courtrooms /Offices/199315224681 Ac. Government Center, 1101 Carmichael Rd., Hudson GovernmentCenterAddition-expansionincludesneworupdated 2023-24~150000 space for all divisions Agriculture Service & Education Offices1998301204.35 Ac. th Center, 1960 8 Ave., Baldwin Highway Department Maintenance, storage, office2020 300 Oak Ridge Pkwy, Baldwin, WI Rental House19332280 Old Garage -- 1974 Electrical Generator, Old Laundry Building 1939900, 1960 Building Services Shop Boilers & Pumps19496768 Offices197463033158,470 sf Health & Human Services St. Croix Industries197812109 1445 N. 4th St., New Richmond 72 Bed Nursing Facility198262128 St. Croix Industries Transition House19824132 St. Croix Industries Pole Shed A 44x1205280 St. Croix Industries Pole Shed B 36x602160 Entrance Building/Office1985612700 Ac. Campground Entrance1983320 19994800 Glen Hills Park 20011728 1049 Rustic Rd., Glenwood City 20011260 Sign Storage2003160 Firewood Storage200572, 192 Entrance and bathroom2024 Maintenance & Storage2003172867 Ac. Homestead Parklands on Perch Lake 550 Perch Lake Rd., Hudson Entrance Building 2021 Pumphouse198064 Troy Beach Change House19682005 Ac. 490 CTH F, Hudson Restroom1973125 Pine Lake Park Pavillion, Restroom197712510 Ac. thth 120 Ave., 205 St., Baldwin Pavilion,CattleBarn,CattleBarn-Gold,Hog&SheepBarn,School House1,SchoolHouse2,ExhibitBuilding,PoultryBuilding, 19701600042 Ac. Fairgrounds CommercialExhibits,FirstAidStation,PublicRestroom,School STH 128, Glenwood City Exhibits, Beef Barn, Food Stand First Aid Station2005192 2008240 Source: St. Croix County St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 233 of 270 Dams As stated in the St. Croix County All Hazards Mitigation Plan 2018, the county has 16 large dams. Seven of these large dams are rated or estimated to be low hazard due to lack of vulnerabilities downstream (See Dams by Hazard Rating Map below). Eight of the large dams have a high-hazard rating and two have significant-hazard ratings. No small dams have significant- or high-hazard ratings. Of the eight high-hazard rated dams, five are owned by St. Croix County in the Glenwood Hills area; and one each is owned by the City of New Richmond (Mill Pond Dam), Xcel Energy (Riverdale Dam), and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Little Falls Dam). For additional details on the dams of St. Croix County, their hazard ratings, and some key development trends in dam shadows, please see the St. Croix County All Hazards Mitigation Plan. Hazard Mitigation St. Croix County All Hazards Mitigation Plan includes an assessment of hazard conditions, current mitigation activities, progress on mitigation strategies, mitigation goals, and plan adoption and maintenance process. appropriate mitigation strategies. The Plan continues to make St. Croix County and participating jurisdictions eligible to apply for future hazard mitigation project funds through the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). The Plan helps the County and its communities locate its areas of risk, assess the magnitude of the risk and vulnerability, and develop strategies for reducing the risk and vulnerabilities. Through this process, the County can address issues related to the protection of life, property, and critical services, and the reduction of costs associated with disaster relief and rescue efforts. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 234 of 270 Goals and Objectives Goal 1: Protect public health and land and water resources through proper wastewater treatment, stormwater management and management and disposal of solid waste and recycling. Objectives: 1.1 land and other natural resources through proper siting and regulation of Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) and stormwater management in accordance with town, county and state laws and regulations. 1.2Provide coordination, information, education and assistance to local municipalities in managing municipal solid waste, reduction, reuse, recycling, and proper disposal of hazardous materials. 1.3Conserve our waters, air, prime farmlands, and other natural resources. Goal 2: Provide adequate access to quality educational and recreational facilities for all county residents. Objectives: 2.1Support local school districts, technical colleges, universities and community libraries p in their efforts to increase community p p education opportunities and accessibility. 2.2Support quality and accessible parks, trails and recreational facilities and services and maintain dedicated open space for all residents. Goal 3: Utilities, community facilities, and related services will be provided in a cost-efficient and coordinated manner to maintain high quality infrastructure, county facilities and service delivery to meet the needs of residents. Objectives: 3.1 management and dispatch, and related health and human services programs in a fair, cost-effective manner that meets the growing and changing needs of all residents. 3.2Promote the use of existing public facilities, and managed expansion to those facilities, to serve future development whenever possible. 3.3Plan for utilities and community facilities concurrently with land use development to ensure efficiency and avoid conflicts. 3.4Explore alternative funding sources for the maintenance and enhancement of our utilities and community facilities. 3.5Provide the appropriate level of community services, facilities and practices within the county, while striving for a low tax levy and maintaining the rural character of the county. 3.6Ensure a state-of-the-art electrical, technological and communication infrastructure necessary to sustain a diverse economy and to support our communities, schools, emergency responders, services, and residents. 3.7Increase access and usage of broadband infrastructure in rural areas to improve online education opportunities, increase property values and job opportunities, and provide for new business formation. 3.8Encourage public and private utilities to site, construct and maintain utilities in cooperation with local municipalities and in a manner that is compatible with community plans and expectations. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 235 of 270 Policies General Utility and Community Facility 1.When development occurs, it should done in a manner that allows for the most cost-effective and efficient provision of infrastructure and services by the municipality and/or county. 2.Broaden local government knowledge of official mapping as a means of preserving rights-of-way for future roads, parks, utilities, and public infrastructure. 3.Pursue the provision of joint services with local municipalities and neighboring counties when it will result in better services and/or cost savings. County Facilities 4. adequate service to the public. Water/Wastewater 5.Work with local municipalities and state agencies to promote the proper approval process, placement, and monitoring of new and replacement on-site wastewater systems and water wells, appropriate maintenance and replacement of failing older systems and wells as a means to protect public health and ground water quality. 6.Preserve existing private on-site wastewater systems by continuing the maintenance program which tracks pumping records and notifies owners for required inspections and/or pumping. 7.Encourage property owners to test their drinking water annually or at least once every three years. Water testing kits are available at the County Planning and Zoning Department, Hudson; Land & Water Conservation Department, Baldwin; Public Health Department, New Richmond; or through private labs. A fee may apply. 8.Support local development and updates to sewer service area plans for municipalities as required by WI Department of Natural Resources. 9.Encourage local wellhead protection ordinances, based on sound engineering practices. 10.Identify areas with critical water quality issues and support appropriate regulation and remediation efforts. 11.Encourage water/sewer planning for large subdivisions in rural areas, which considers the potential for future connections, densification, and common on-site wastewater treatment facilities. Develop alternatives and models for large rural developments. Stormwater Management 12.Keep local communities abreast of changing stormwater management planning requirements and encourage communities to prepare management plans. 13.Continue to study and address stormwater flooding, road washout problems, and ice damming as 14.Pursue hazard mitigation funding to acquire or relocate structures and properties most at risk of major flood damage when the opportunity arises and/or following a flood event in which significant damage occurs. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 236 of 270 Solid Waste and Recycling 15.St. Croix County will continue to serve as the Responsible Unit for its 26 member municipalities to implement the state recycling laws, expand education, information, special collections and related services for recycling. 16.Local municipalities and/or residents will continue to be responsible for private curbside or drop-off sites for solid waste and recycling collection and disposal. The county will continue to provide support. 17.Promote continuation and strengthening of recycling and household hazardous waste collection programs. 18.Support organic waste reduction and establishment of municipal composting programs. Communication and Power Distribution 19.Encourage regional and local discussion and planning for telecommunications, broadband availability, network connectivity, and other related technologies, with the impact on public safety and Next Generation 911 demands. 20.Continue to encourage and support the implementation of broadband internet access throughout the county. 21.Continue to involve and coordinate agencies, organizations and municipalities in emergency communication planning, training and exercises for the County; further define their role during a disaster as part of established Emergency Operations Planning procedures. 22.Increase preparedness of campgrounds and resorts to severe weather by: (a) promoting use of all hazards (weather) radios; (b) requiring the provision of emergency information to patrons; and (c) requiring new campgrounds or resorts to identify a severe weather shelter. 23.Continue to work toward countywide compliance with the National Incident Management System for emergency service providers and municipalities in the County. Explore options to integrate NIMS into local emergency operating planning efforts if feasible. 24.Continue public education efforts regarding emergency preparedness planning. 25.Encourage local utilities to pursue hazard mitigation funding to replace aging power lines and add substations to further mitigate the potential of power outages and increase the dependability of power service. 26.Communicate and work with applicants of large scale renewable energy projects to minimize impacts to area properties St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 237 of 270 Education 27.Engage school districts, CESA (Cooperative Educational Service Agency) , and other educational institutions in the comprehensive planning process. 28.Promote and assist in the development of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plans and their implementation. 29.Encourage coordination between educational institutions to foster the sharing of data and the pursuit of common goals. 30.Encourage the continued coordination of community education in the County. Parks and Recreation 31.The County, consistent with the St. Croix County Outdoor Recreation Plan and Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, will maintain a system of parks, trails and natural and recreation areas which together with federal, state and local parks, and natural and recreation areas provide accessible outdoor recreation and open space systems for county residents. 32.Encourage and support projects involving citizens and government, non-profit or other private organizations such as Kinnickinnic Land Trust, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Pheasants Forever, etc., that conserve and protect the use and conservation of outdoor recreation resources. 33. and related plans, so these assets can be reflected in planning, tourism, and marketing efforts. Public Safety 34.Provide efficient and cost- investigation and emergency management and dispatch services for county residents. 35.Continue to promote formal mutual aid agreements between communities and agencies for public safety and response, including the provision of public works support and policies pertaining to billing p rates, required training, and liabilities. p 36.Maintain and periodically update the St. p Croix County All Hazards Mitigation and pursue grant funding for multi- jurisdictional hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness projects, such as communication and warning systems, specialized mapping, flood mitigation, educational efforts, and sheltering. 37.Encourage partnerships between the private and public sectors for emergency preparedness to identify and protect essential resources while ensuring our businesses and organizations are prepared. 38.Develop and maintain maps of hazard risks and critical facilities in the County for hazard mitigation, emergency response, and recovery planning. 39.Encourage inter-state emergency response and law enforcement agreements between Federal Government, Wisconsin and Minnesota to ensure our residents and communities are receiving the fastest, most affordable services available. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 238 of 270 40.Continue to encourage coordination between Wisconsin and Minnesota so that related health emergency policies and procedures are consistent and compatible, such as the manner in which pharmaceuticals will be distributed if a pandemic flu outbreak should occur. 41.Update County mobile home regulations to require new mobile home parks to identify per formal agreement a storm shelter or construct a new storm shelter for residents. Require new and encourage existing mobile home parks in unincorporated areas to have emergency plans which will be on-file with the County. 42.Promote the use of the storm shelter/safe room initiative which subsidizes the installation of safe rooms or shelters for mobile homes and mobile home parks. 43.Continue annual review of the emergency action plans for the County dams and ensure that the contact and telephone lists are up-to-date. Whenever updates, send copies of the emergency action plan to the local municipalities to help keep residents informed. Copies of the Glen Hills Dam plans should be sent to Dunn County Emergency Management and the Village of Downing. 44.Develop and maintain a resource directory for use in times of disaster by coordinating agencies (e.g., Aging and Disability Resource Center coordinates transportation services). Such a directory could be expanded to include standard requirements for the sharing of equipment and billing rates. Health and Human Services 45.Provide support to adults, people who have a disability and their families through the Aging and Disability Resource Center which serves as a central source of information, assistance, support and access to community resources. 46.Provide high quality, timely alcohol/drug abuse and mental health services to individuals and their families within the County. 47.Provide treatment, rehabilitation, therapy and support to County residents with chronic mental illnesses supplemented by information, referral and resource programs. 48.Support efforts by Public Health to maintain St. Wisconsin counties. Support Public Health initiatives such as health choices and healthy lifestyles. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 239 of 270 C ULTURAL R ESOURCES St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 240 of 270 C ULTURAL R ESOURCES V ISION the county are preserved for future generations. The County has worked with organizations and local units of government to fund, market native American and pioneer cultural roots to its residents and others through buildings, sites and events. The libraries and historic societies throughout the County are important repositories of cultural resources for our children and adults. I NTRODUCTION St. Croix County has many unique cultural resources that define its local communities and are a factor in the high quality of life residents enjoy. Its cultural resources include historical structures and sites, scenic vistas and areas and culturally impo heritage. Preservation of historic, archeological, cultural and scenic resources help to foster community pride, improve quality of life, contribute to the preservation of rural character, encourage low-impact tourism and provide social and cultural continuity between past, present and future. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 241 of 270 I SSUES & O PPORTUNITIES Findings & Issues 1. altered. 2.There is interest in preserving and documenting the culture and history of the County through local or county efforts, regulation, information and social media tools. 3.Rural structures, especially barns, help define the rural character of the county and are being lost as agricultural practices change. 4.There are 37 locations in St. Croix County on the National Register of Historic Places, 31 of the 37 are in either Hudson or New Richmond. 5.More than 1,600 historic places and sites in St. Croix County have been identified as having historic value and are on the Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory. However, it should be noted that the inventory is not comprehensive, and in many cases the inventory is outdated because resources and structures have been moved, demolished or altered. 6.Most local communities in St. Croix County have identified their own list of unique historic, scenic and cultural resources. 7. 8.There are nine libraries or centers with historical and genealogical research materials serving St. Croix County. 9.St. Croix County has an abundance of scenic resources. Opportunities 1.The programs identified here can assist local communities in their planning efforts and in the protection of cultural resources. Protection of such resources needs to be balanced with, and can be complementary to, other community goals. 2.St. Croix County residents are proud of their heritage and celebrate throughout the year with local festivals. Historic, cultural, and scenic resources must be well preserved and managed so that future generations can benefit. 3.Each community should work with developers, the county, and the state to preserve its own character, beauty, and identity. 4.Successful cooperation will be needed for funding and promotion in order to maintain the large number and variety of cultural events and opportunities in the County. 5.New development may lack a sense- of-place or community identity which contributes to resident apathy and detachment, instead of encouraging belonging and involvement. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 242 of 270 S CENIC R ESOURCES St. Croix County has an abundance of scenic resources. Some of the most notable include: 1.The St. Croix River in St. Croix County is designated as the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. 2.Willow River State Park, Willow River Falls 3.Eau Galle River Recreation Area with the Spring Valley Dam, the largest earthen dam in Wisconsin 4.Perch Lake, Homestead Parklands on Perch Lake 5.Apple River, especially the historic tubing sites and at Huntingdon 6.Eau Galle River, Town of Cady 7.Numerous sites along the Willow River, especially Lake Mallalieu, Hudson/North Hudson and Anderson Springs, Town of Richmond 8.Numerous Wildlife Areas, especially the Cylon and Oakridge wildlife areas. Techniques for preservation of scenic views and resources include the following. 1.The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program was established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. The nearest scenic byway to St. Croix County is The Great Ri Louisiana. In Wisconsin it runs from Prescott to the southern edge of the state. 2. must be substantially undeveloped and have outstanding natural features, including native vegetation, abundant wildlife, open areas or agricultural vistas that make the area unique. The want to work with local communities to explore possibilities, advantages and disadvantages of these programs. More information can be found in the Transportation chapter of this plan 3.Encourage local inventory of scenic sites and efforts to incorporate these into developments as shared spaces, common open space or public parks so they will remain natural and open to residents 4.Conduct a viewshed analysis to identify scenic views St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of H ISTORIC S ITES & S TRUCTURES St. Croix County has a long and storied history, with many significant sites. These sites include Native American burial mounds, encampments, lumbering camps, historic downtowns, classic architecture and rural barns, windmills and farmsteads. Historic structures, sites, and districts have unique, often irreplaceable, Local communities and organizations recognize that many sites have been demolished or lost and so are working to identify sites that still remain and have significance to local residents. National Register of Historic Places According to the National Register of Historic Places, St. Croix County has 37 historic properties and four historic districts that have received state or federal historic landmark designation. The following table identifies sites and structures on the state and/or national register. Additional older properties and homes within St. Croix County may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and thus for historic tax credits for repairs and rehabilitation. St. Croix County Sites and Structures on the State and National Register of Historic Places Historic SiteLocationMunicipalityListed Bell, Marcus Sears, Farm1100 Heritage Dr.New Richmond1988 nd Bernd, William J., HouseNew Richmond1988 210 2 St. Bernd, William J., House143 Arch Av.New Richmond1988 th Chicago,St.Paul,Minneapolis&OmahaRailroadCar Boundedby:GallahadRd.,Sommers,4,&St.Croix North Hudson1984 Shop Historic District streets rd Darling, Frederick L., HouseHudson1984 617 3 St. th Dwelley, William, HouseHudson1984 1002 4 St. rd Epley, Dr. Frank W., OfficeNew Richmond1988 137 3 St. rd First English Lutheran ChurchNew Richmond1988 354 3 St. nd Glover, Ezra, Jr., HouseNew Richmond1988 415 2 St. Hudson Public Library304 Locust StHudson1984 Humphrey, Herman L., House803 Orange St.Hudson1984 Johnson, August, House427 St. Croix St.Hudson1984 Johnson, Dr. Samuel C., House405 Locust St.Hudson1984 Kell, William H., House215 Green Ave.New Richmond1988 Kinnickinnic ChurchWI J, jct. with WI JJKinnickinnic2000 Kriesel, Louis C. & Augusta, Farmstead132 State Trunk Hwy 35/64St. Joseph2009 Lewis FarmhouseFarm Dr.Boardman1982 rd Lewis-Williams HouseHudson1985 101 3 St. th Merritt, Samuel T., HouseHudson1984 904 7 St. Mielke, Joseph, House326 Second St. WNew Richmond1988 rd Moffat, John S., HouseHudson1974 1004 3 St New Richmond Commercial Historic DistrictBounded by: S. Knowles Ave to Willow RiverNew Richmond2022 Boundedby:SArchAvetotheW,therearofproperties New Richmond East Side Historic DistrictNew Richmond2022 ndrd facing E 2 St to the N, S Starr Ave to the E, and E 3 St. nd New Richmond News BuildingNew Richmond1988 145 2 St. New Richmond Roller Mills201 Knoles Ave., NNew Richmond1988 nd New Richmond West Side Historic DistrictNew Richmond1988 Bounded by: Willow, Minnesota, W. 2, S. Washington nd Opera Hall BlockHudson1979 516 2 St. rd Phipps, William H., HouseHudson1987 1005 3 St. stnd Second St. Commercial DistrictHudson1984 1, 2, Walnut, & Locust th Sixth St. Historic DistrictHudson1984 6 St. between Myrtle & Vine St. Soo Line Depot120 High St.New Richmond1988 Soo Line High BridgeRestrictedSomerset1977 rd St. Croix County CourthouseHudson1982 904 3 St. Stillwater Bridge*MN36/WI64 over St. Croix RiverHoulton1989 Thelen, John Nicholas & Hermina, House1383 & 1405 Thelen Farm TrailSt. Joseph2009 nd Thompson, Erick J., HouseNew Richmond1988 350 2 St. nd Williams, T.E., Block**Hudson2009 321 2 St. Source: National Register of Historic Places St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) In the mid-1970s, the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) began compiling information on properties in Wisconsin communities that appear to meet minimum criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. These properties were identified through surveys with the help of historical organizations and consultants doing local historical research. More recently, community-wide surveys have been conducted in River Falls (2015) and New Richmond (2019), and occasional, limited-area surveys have been conducted by federal agencies undertaking projects like road work and communication infrastructure. Information about all properties identified in these surveys is entered into the SHPO's Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) database. Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) The AHI database currently includes over 150,000 structures and objects that convey Wisconsin's unique history. It documents a wide range of historic properties, mostly privately owned, such as round barns, log houses, metal truss bridges, small town commercial buildings and houses of all styles that create Wisconsin's distinct cultural landscape. The inventory is dynamic, and is updated as new information is submitted, so in many cases the information is not current. It is also not comprehensive. It relies on formal surveys to add and update information, and on residents contacting the SHPO with new information. The database includes over 1,600 properties in St. Croix County. For more information see the Wisconsin Historical Society website. Most local communities in St. Croix County have identified their own list of unique historic, scenic and cultural resources as part of their comprehensive plan cultural resources element. Local communities should also work with developers, the county, and the state to preserve the historic and aesthetic beauty and create a unique sense of place. Historic sites that do not benefit from local protections and should be mentioned include: 1. 2.Wildwood area on the Wildwood Trail. It is the site of a former stage coach stopover with remnants of the original hostelry, school, woodworking factory, brick making industry and iron mining. 3.Army Nike Missile Base in Town of Warren. It was a cold war missile site from 1962 to 1972 with up to 250 men stationed at the site. Many of the original structures are still intact.Is not open to the public. th 4. Saratoga Springs in the Village of Star Prairie, this was the site of a 19 century health spa. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of Historic Preservation Regulation and Tax Credits The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources. National Register of Historic Places 10 regulations are stated in Title 36 CFR 60. Listing in the National Register makes owners eligible for state and/or federal tax credit programs. Any development should be reviewed, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 44.40 (1989), against the Wisconsin Historical Society historic resource list to determine whether historic properties within the area will be affected. The Historical Society also recommends that proposed developments where a known historic or archeological site exists be surveyed by a qualified archeologist. Sites that are identified as archeological sites are predominantly burial sites. Under Wisconsin law, Native American burial mounds, unmarked burials and all marked and unmarked cemeteries are protected from intentional disturbance. Additional older properties structures and homes within St. Croix County may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and thus for historic tax credits for repairs and rehabilitation. Additional historic or archeological resources could be identified in local communities through an individual or joint effort to create a countywide survey of historic and archeological resources. The Wisconsin Historical Society has grant funding available to help local communities undertake a historical survey, with additional grant funds for a variety of historic preservation activities. The St. Croix County All Hazards Mitigation Plan identifies historic structures, sites, and districts as being especially vulnerable to natural disasters, due to their unique, often irreplaceable, social value. Any plans for significant alteration or demolition of municipally owned properties officially designated at the local, state, or federal level must be submitted for review by the State Historic Preservation Office, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 66.1111. Any plans for significant alteration or demolition of properties owned by a school board and officially designated at the local, state, or federal level must be submitted for review by the State Historic Preservation Office, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 120.12(21). Source: National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places website. December 2023. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of C ULTURAL R ESOURCE P ROGRAMS 1.Wisconsin Historical Society 2.University of Wisconsin Extension 3.Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation 4.BarnsNOW (Network of Wisconsin) historic farmsteads and barns program 5.Wisconsin State Fair Century and Sesquicentennial Farm or Home Award program 6.National and WI State Scenic Byways programs 7. designation 8.St. Croix County Historical Society 9.Hudson Area History Connection 10.New Richmond Preservation Society 11.Pioneer Village New Richmond 12.St. Croix Valley Genealogical Society 13.German Settlement Heritage Society 14.Kinnickinnic Historical Association 15.Hudson Vintage Neighborhoods Alliance 16.Baldwin Area Historical Society 17.Village of Baldwin Historic Preservation Glenwood Area Historical Society 18.UWRF Area Resource Center 19. room is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history or genealogy of an area. 20.Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 21.Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson 22.Old Gem Theater New Richmond 23.Hammond Arts Alliance 24.Sons of Norway Valkyrien Chapter, Woodville 25.Local communities throughout the County host summer concert series, where local, regional and national musicians perform. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of G OALS AND O BJECTIVES Goal 1: Enhance and maintain the of life, preserve rural character, encourage tourism and maintain community identity for current and future County residents. 1.1 resources that recognize pre-settlement and early settlement periods. 1.2 Increase awareness and promote the development of cultural and historical organizations, events and services in the County; promote and recognize the important roles they play in local communities and the economy. 1.3 Promote the preservation, rehabilitation or reuse of historically and architecturally significant structures, sites or districts that preserve rural character or maintain community identity. 1.4 Encourage preservation of scenic landscapes, sites and roadways that are unique, interesting or important to residents and their quality of life. Policies 1.Encourage the completion and/or update of historical, architectural and archeological resource surveys by local historic societies within the County which are integrated into the Wisconsin Architecture & History Survey and promote the preservation and integrity of these sites. 2.Encourage private landowners to protect and/or rehabilitate identified cultural, historic, archeological and scenic resources and utilize tax incentives when possible. 3.Encourage property owners and local communities to explore the availability and use of grant money to rehabilitate, restore or relocate historic structures threatened by demolition or disrepair. 4.Encourage maintenance and reuse of historic structures, such as houses, barns and silos, to preserve community identity and rural character. 5.Consider historic, scenic or other cultural resources before and during consideration of development proposals. 6. 7.Recognize different ethnic communities in the County and ways to accept and embrace diversity with an overall goal of creating respect and appreciation for differences that exist. 8.Encourage communities to integrate signage, recognition programs, locally designated landmarks, etc., into public improvement and outdoor recreational plans to increase the visibility and public resources. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of I NTERGOVERNMENTAL C OOPERATION St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of Intergovernmental Cooperation Vision The County, municipalities and schools have developed and maintained a way to communicate about all sorts of issues, particularly those that generate controversy. We keep collaboration and cooperation as a part of our everyday communication. The County has taken the lead to establish a dialogue with all St. Croix municipalities to discuss cost sharing and tax base sharing arrangements, to decrease the level of duplication of services, and to increase the number of shared community facilities especially among towns and cities. In addition, the County has worked with all St. Croix municipalities to make sure policies are consistent. When issues that concern the entire county need to be addressed such as utilities (siting) or wildlife corridors, the County works at cross-jurisdictional cooperation. Introduction Advances in technology and improved mobility have resulted in the faster and easier movement of people, money, goods, and other resources across jurisdictions. Many issues (e.g., schools, natural resources) cross intergovernmental boundaries, and the decisions, plans, and policies of one community can impact neighboring jurisdictions. The environmental, economic, and social health of a community, surrounding areas, and the County are interconnected. Through intergovernmental cooperation, communities can identify potential solutions to solve community issues and mitigate conflicts. Cooperation is key to strengthening the County economy while conserving tax dollars, providing services, and preserving resources. Trust-based relationships play a key role in developing cooperative and innovative services to meet the needs of county citizens. Intergovernmental Cooperation Issues & Opportunities Findings & Issues 1.St. Croix County administers general zoning for 17 of 21 towns. 2.31 of 35 municipalities have comprehensive plans. 3.Many plans and ordinances overlap in jurisdiction and contain conflicting policies and regulations. 4.Uneven growth in the County has created challenges when developing county wide land use policies. 5.Coordinated planning and minimized conflict among adjacent communities. 6.Coordinated provision of services and cost sharing among adjacent communities. 7.Town loss of tax base and land area due to annexation. Opportunities 1.Communities should use coordination and joint planning to promote land-use compatibility, conserve resources, and establish infrastructure linkages and systems. It is important to streamline procedures and review processes with greater emphasis on consistency between communities. 2.Intergovernmental cooperation will increase as State, County, and local budgets become more restrictive and partnerships are pursued. 3.Communities in the County can resolve conflicts through mediation, binding arbitration, non-binding arbitration, early neutral evaluation, focus group, mini-trial, moderated settlement conference, or summary jury-trial. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of Benefits of Intergovernmental Cooperation 1.Cost Savings: Cooperation can save money by increasing efficiency and avoiding unnecessary duplication. Cooperation can enable some communities to provide their residents with services that would otherwise be too costly. 2.Address Regional Issues: By communicating and coordinating their actions, and working with regional and state jurisdictions, local communities are able to address and resolve issues which are regional in nature. 3.Early Identification of Issues: Cooperation enables jurisdictions to identify and resolve potential conflicts at an early stage, before affected interests have established rigid positions, before the political stakes have been raised, and before issues have become conflicts or crisis. 4.Reduced Litigation: Communities that cooperate are able to resolve issues before they become mired in litigation. Reducing the possibility of costly litigation can save a community money, as well as the disappointment and frustration of unwanted outcomes. 5.Consistency: Cooperation can lead to consistency of the goals, objectives, plans, policies, and actions of neighboring communities and other jurisdictions. 6.Predictability: Jurisdictions that cooperate provide greater predictability to residents, developers, businesses, and others. Lack of predictability can result in lost time, money, and opportunity. 7.Understanding: As jurisdictions communicate and collaborate on issues of mutual interest, they work to avoid them. 8.Trust: Cooperation can lead to positive experiences and results that build trust between jurisdictions. 9.History of Success: When jurisdictions cooperate successfully in one area, the success creates positive feelings and an expectation that other intergovernmental issues can be resolved as well. 10.Service to Citizens: The biggest beneficiaries of intergovernmental cooperation are citizens for whom government was created in the first place. They may not understand, or even care about, the intricacies of a particular intergovernmental issue, but all St. Croix County residents can appreciate the benefits, such as cost savings, provisions of needed services, a healthy environment and a strong economy. Regional Planning Commission St. Croix County is a member of the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) that is a multi- county planning agency created under Wisconsin State Statute 66.0309, established in 1971. Counties in the region include: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, and St. Croix (Map right). WCWRPC addresses issues that cross municipal boundaries and serves as a bridge between governmental units. WCWRPC offers planning assistance to local government units. The Commission conducts comparative demographic analysis and has the resources to partner and leverage funds. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of Intergovernmental Plans, Ordinances, Policies The number of existing intergovernmental plans, agreements, and relationships in St. Croix County is extensive. Each community in the County has some sort of plan, agreement, or relationship with an adjacent or overlapping government entity. In rural areas, the primary intergovernmental agreements involving towns are for emergency services, road maintenance agreements, or cooperative boundary agreement with an adjacent town. School districts operate independent of the communities they serve. The following list includes the various types of plans, ordinances, and policies that are required by Wisconsin State Statute and enforced by the various governmental jurisdictions. 1.Comprehensive Plans (Region, County, Town, City and Village) 2.Surface Water Management Plans & Stormwater Utilities 3.Outdoor Recreation Plans (ORPs) 4.County Farmland Preservation Plan 5.Solid Waste Management Plans 6.County Land & Water Resource Management Plans 7.County Forest Plans 8.Sewer Service Area Plans 9.Transportation Plans 10.Ordinances a.County Zoning b.Shoreland Management c.Floodplain Ordinance d.Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway e.Subdivision f.Conservation Design Regulations g.Erosion Controls h.Sanitary Ordinance i.Recycling j.Animal Waste Management k.Livestock Facility Siting l.Non-Metallic Mining m.Telecommunications/Cell Tower Ordinance n.Manufactured/Mobile Home Park Ordinance o.Nuisance Ordinances 11.Official Mapping 12.Other Land Use Related Policies a.Conservation Easements b.Transfer of Development Rights c.Development Impact Regulations and Fees St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of WI Department of Administration, Municipal Boundary Review WI Department of Administration, Municipal Boundary Review regulates the transition of unincorporated areas to city or village status through municipal annexation, incorporation, consolidation, or by joint city- village-town activities involving cooperative boundary plans and agreements. Such agreements may change territorial boundaries and may provide for the sharing of municipal services. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Administration for further information. Annexation Wisconsin Statute, 66.021, Annexation of territory, provides methods by which annexation may occur. Annexation involves the transfer of one or more tax parcels from a town to a city or village. Most annexations are land owner initiated. Cooperative Boundary Agreements Cooperative Boundary Agreements are addressed in Wis. Stats. §66.0307. Cooperative boundary agreements are negotiated, sometimes mediated, plans jointly developed by neighboring cities, villages or towns for municipal boundaries and often include content on utilities, services, design standards, tax revenue sharing, and land use regulations. Cooperative boundary agreements require public input during the process and can be built upon the work completed in local comprehensive planning efforts. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Administration for further information. An example cooperative boundary agreement was signed August 20, 2012 by and between New Richmond and Star Prairie. The agreement sets forth the timeframe, activities and terms under which land would be attached to the City. It also recognizes a separate Water Service Agreement between the City of New Richmond and the Town of Star Prairie which identifies the terms and conditions under which the City of New Richmond will provide water service to certain residential properties within the Town of Star Prairie, whose water has been contaminated from a closed New Richmond land fill. The boundary agreement will address land use control and zoning, extension of water or sanitary sewer service, assessments, fees, highway construction, revenue sharing, police and fire protection, a joint commission to oversee, and other administrative provisions. On April 12, 2019 the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration approved the Cooperative Boundary Plan between the City of River Falls and the Town of Kinnickinnic. The Cooperative Plan between the two jurisdictions establishes certainty regarding municipal boundaries, service provisions and land use matters. Extraterritorial Zoning Wisconsin Statute, 62.23(7a) allows a city or village to participate with towns in the zoning of lands outside their incorporate boundaries. The steps for exercising this power are identified in the Statutes and includes the Town working with the Village to create a joint extraterritorial zoning committee. Extraterritorial Subdivision Review - Plat Review Authority Wisconsin Statute, 236.10 includes direction for review and approval of a final plat of a subdivision to be recorded. The purpose of extraterritorial plat approval is to help cities and villages influence the development pattern of areas outside their boundaries that will likely be annexed to the city or village. This helps cities and villages protect land use near its boundaries from conflicting uses outside its limits. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Administration for further information. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of General Agreements General agreements are addressed in Wis. Stats. §66.0301. A wide variety of other intergovernmental agreements for joint municipal services exist in St. Croix County. State statutes provide a mechanism for contracts regarding joint municipal services to protect all parties involved. General agreements are the type of intergovernmental agreement that is most commonly used for such joint services and allows municipalities to cooperate on a wide range of issues, as long as the municipalities involved each has power to act on the issue. Example agreements and services include but are not limited to: road maintenance, snow plow, police protection, and emergency response. State review of general agreements is not required, and no inventory of all general agreements in the county or state exists. Local Land Use Programs and Policies The information in the table below was drawn from a 2011 survey from the following four primary sources. Please verify this information with local municipalities. County planning & zoning and land conservation staff updates A program survey sent by WCWRPC to all cities, villages, and towns in the region with a Self- Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) and follow-up e-mail reminder 2008 Wisconsin Local Land Use Regulations and Comprehensive Planning Status Report Knowledge of WCWRPC staff based on previous planning efforts The data provided in the table below was reported by the municipality. If a municipality did not return a not apply to a given municipality (e.g., towns do not have the authority to practice extraterritorial plat review). to either the WCWRPC survey or WisDOA report, then the municipality is shown as having the corresponding plan or regulations. Some respondents may not have fully understood each of the regulatory tools included on the WCWRPC survey. For instance, official mapping was likely misunderstood by some respondents. Some of the regulatory tools, such as conservation design policies and development impact fees, may have been interpreted in the most general sense by some respondents. If a respondent returned an unknown or uncertain response to any regulatory tool on the WCWRPC survey, the corresponding entry was left blank. Cities and villages were not asked if they had adopted a non-metallic mining reclamation ordinance in the WCWRPC survey, so they may have such an ordinance adopted locally but it is not represented. . St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page of St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 255 of 270 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 256 of 270 Existing or Potential Challenges and Opportunities This section on intergovernmental cooperation provided a summary of many of the types of existing plans and land use policies within St. Croix County. Such insight is valuable to encourage intergovernmental coordination which maximizes existing resources while mitigating potential conflicts. However, there may be conflicts from time to time. Discussion on existing or potential conflicts between the local governments The following list describes some existing and potential conflicts facing St. Croix County: Relationship with Towns: Although St. Croix County has experienced tremendous growth, most of the growth has been in the West side of the County. This has created challenges when trying to develop county wide policies regarding land use planning. Some Towns in the West side of the are strict enough. This division in growth will only increase as time goes on, St. Croix County needs to develop policies that either balance the diverse needs of the Towns or address the needs separately. Coordination with Municipalities: The City of River Falls is one of two municipalities in St. Croix County that has an established Extraterritorial Zoning (ETZ). There have been some issues regarding ordinance regulation and authority in this area. Conflicts should be addressed by local municipalities and the county prior to adoption of extra territorial zoning or adoption of a boundary agreement to prevent future issues. Relationship with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR): In the past the County has had issues with DNR such as ordinary high water mark determination, wetland delineation, and navigability determination. Because of these issues it is very likely that St. Croix County staff will have to assume responsibility of these determinations that would add additional workloads to staff and bring concerns regarding the consistency and legal consequences of defending such determinations. Municipal Annexation: Towns are concerned when town land is annexed to adjoining cities and villages. Though St. Croix County Government plays no direct role in the annexation process the county often has to mediate or design regulations beneficial to both towns and cities and villages. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 257 of 270 Conflict Resolution The Comprehensive Planning Law requires that the intergovernmental cooperation element addresses a process that the community can use to resolve conflicts. Recommended methods for conflict resolution include: 1.Mediation: Easily the most recommended form of conflict resolution. Mediation is a cooperative process involving two or more parties and a mediator. The Mediator acts as a neutral third party and is highly trained in conflict resolution to help all parties reach a mutually acceptable settlement. 2.Binding arbitration: This is a process where a neutral person is given the authority to make a legally binding decision and is used only with the consent of all the parties. The parties present evidence and examine witnesses and the arbitrator makes a determination based on evidence. 3.Non-binding arbitration: This is another technique in which a neutral person is given the authority to render a non-binding decision as a basis for subsequent negotiation between the parties after the 4.Early neutral evaluation: Early neutral evaluation is a process in which a neutral person evaluates brief written and oral presentations early in the litigation process. The neutral person provides an initial appraisal of the merits of the case with suggestions for conducting discovery and obtaining a legal ruling to resolve the case as efficiently as possible. 5.Focus group: These can be used to resolve disputes by using a panel of citizens selected in a manner agreed upon by all of the parties. The citizens hear presentations from the parties and, after hearing the issues, the focus group deliberates and renders an advisory opinion. 6.Mini-trial: These consist of presentations by the parties to a panel selected and authorized by all the parties to negotiate a settlement of the dispute that, after the presentations, considers the legal and factual issues and attempts to negotiate a settlement. 7.Moderated settlement conference: This is a process in which conferences are conducted by a neutral person who hears brief presentations from the parties in order to facilitate negotiations. The neutral person renders an advisory opinion in aid of negotiation. 8.Summary jury-trial: A technique where attorneys make abbreviated presentations to a small jury selected from the regular jury list. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 258 of 270 Local, State & Regional Intergovernmental Programs St. Croix County and its municipalities will continue to work cooperatively with many local, regional and State of Wisconsin agencies, including the following. 1.Lake Management Districts (See Natural Resources Section) 2.School Districts (See Utilities & Community Facilities Section) 3.West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission 4.Wisconsin Department of Transportation 5.Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 6.Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 7.Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development 8.Wisconsin Department of Administration-Division of Intergovernmental Relations 9.Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services 10.UW-Extension Local Government Center 11.Wisconsin Municipal Associations a.Wisconsin Counties Association b.Wisconsin Towns Association c.League of Wisconsin Municipalities d.Wisconsin Alliance of Cities 12.Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation 13.U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 14.National Park Service 15.Army Corp of Engineers St. Paul St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 259 of 270 Goals & Objectives Goal 1: Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with local government entities, neighboring counties, State and Federal agencies, school districts and other quasi-governmental agencies serving county residents. Objectives: 1.1 Collaborate with local municipalities in development, resource protection, and planning activities within the County. 1.2 Anticipate and identify potential intergovernmental conflicts and work with involved governmental units to seek ways to minimize or resolve such conflicts. 1.3 Participate in intergovernmental discussions and maintain communication with adjacent and overlapping jurisdictions including school districts and emergency services on planning, development, and service-related issues. Goal 2: Improve communication and consensus among area municipalities regarding future development. Objectives: 2.1 Collaborate with local municipalities in planning efforts with cities, villages, towns and adjacent counties to maximize commonalities in goals, objectives and long-term land use plans. 2.2 Assist area municipalities as needed to jointly plan boundary areas and coordinate their long-term growth plans with the County Comprehensive Plan. 2.3 Improve countywide understanding of zoning, subdivision and other land use regulations and the development review process to increase levels of certainty among county and municipal governments, developers and land owners. Goal 3: Coordinate the use of public services and facilities to provide cost-effective service delivery to county residents. Objectives: 3.1 Identify and explore opportunities for coordination and cost-sharing of services and facilities or other cooperative efforts with other governmental entities St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 260 of 270 Policies Communication 1.Use electronic communication and networks as a means of sharing and discussing information. Explore beneficial ways to link relevant web content. 2.Share reports, plans, plan amendments and ordinances and information on upcoming projects. Create a central location/inventory for posting plans, programs, documents, and information. 3.Engage area school districts in educational programs to encourage participation in government, planning and land use issues. Share county resources such as parks and other facilities with school districts when feasible and beneficial. 4.Encourage joint advisory commissions in areas where development pressure is high and intergovernmental issues are complex. Use joint meetings to foster intergovernmental cooperation and address growth issues at both staff and decision-maker levels. 5.Pursue alternative dispute and conflict resolution to avoid litigation. Multi-Jurisdictional Planning 6.Collaborate with local municipalities in comprehensive planning between the County, municipalities, school districts, etc. 7.Encourage a consistent County and regional perspective on growth and development that will promote and enable the development and redevelopment of lands with existing infrastructure and services, where practical, or that will encourage efficient development patterns that are both contiguous to existing development and at densities which have relatively low municipal, state government, and utility costs. 8.Coordinate to conserve sensitive areas, resources, and working lands, including watersheds, environmental/wildlife corridors and park systems, stormwater drainage, wellheads/groundwater, and surface waters. 9.Identify, develop, and coordinate regional transit and linked trail systems through county/regional multi-modal transportation planning. 10.Encourage consistency in standards, regulations, and review procedures (zoning, subdivision, building, development and design standards, including in extraterritorial areas). 11.Coordinate and streamline decision-making and review processes when possible, including exploring joint plan commissions. Improve timing of land management decisions where concurrent review occurs. 12.Federal, state, and county agencies managing land should coordinate those activities with local governments. 13.Cooperate in emergency management and security. 14.Cooperate in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling including hazardous waste. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 261 of 270 Planning at the Urban Fringe 15.Explore interim development patterns to allow for eventual compact development with services, establish mutually agreeable edges and edge character, and coordinate attractive gateways to incorporated areas. 16.Use sub-area and urban transition area plans, cooperative boundary plans, and related agreements to reduce the uncertainty associated with development along community borders. 17.Encourage proactive conflict resolution. 18.Define required services for annexations and explore staged annexation coordination to prevent leap-frog development, irregular boundaries, and service delivery problems. 19.Coordinate official mapping, especially within Extraterritorial Plat Review areas. Shared Services, Facilities, Equipment, and Purchasing 20.Work cooperatively to identify opportunities to reduce service costs and enter into agreements which are mutually beneficial. 21.Collaborate on development of public buildings when shared use is possible. 22.Explore opportunities for shared use facilities with school districts, technical colleges, and universities, considering siting needs for new facilities, including municipal representation for decisions regarding schools. 23.Maintain shared service and mutual aid agreements, and formalize them as needed. 24.Explore revenue sharing opportunities. 25.Explore ways to ensure adequate emergency services, including police services in rural areas, and continue and expand police, fire, and ambulance service cooperation. 26.Explore opportunities to expand state purchasing contracts to include more items, supplies, and equipment used by local governments. 27.Explore regional and joint municipal opportunities for wastewater treatment collaboration. 28.Cooperate in the dispensing of excess, surplus, or used property. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 262 of 270 I MPLEMENTATION St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 263 of 270 Implementation Introduction The St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for future planning and development. To achieve policies and actions described in the plan. While some of the recommendations found in the plan will be automatically implemented, others require changes to existing regulations or new proposed regulations. Specific follow-up actions will be required for many policies to become reality. The Implementation section provides a roadmap and timetable for the implementation steps that require additional actions. It reflects priorities and encourages implementation in an efficient and coordinated manner. WI State Statute 66.1001(1)(C) Contents of a comprehensive plan Implementation element. A compilation of programs and specific actions to be completed in a stated sequence, including proposed changes to any applicable zoning ordinances, official maps, or subdivision ordinances, to implement the objectives, policies, plans and programs contained in pars. (a) to (h). The element shall describe how each of the elements of the comprehensive plan will be integrated and made consistent with the other elements of the comprehensive plan, and shall include a mechanism to measure the local governmental unit's progress toward achieving all aspects of the comprehensive plan. The element shall include a process for updating the comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan under this subsection shall be updated no less than once every 10 years. Plan Adoption WI State Statute 66.1001(4) Procedures for adopting comprehensive plans, in summary. A local governmental unit (LGU) shall comply with all of the following before its comprehensive plan may take effect: (a) The governing body shall adopt a written public participation plan. (b) The plan commission or other body (Community Development Committee) may recommend the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan only by adopting a resolution by a majority vote. One copy of an adopted comprehensive plan, shall be sent to all of the following: 1. Every governmental body that is located in whole or in part within the boundaries of the LGU. 2. The clerk of every LGU that is adjacent to the LGU that is the subject of the plan that is adopted or amended. 4. The WI department of administration. 5. The regional planning commission in which the local governmental unit is located. 6. The public library that serves the area in which the local governmental unit is located. (c) County Board must enact an ordinance or the regional planning commission adopts a resolution that adopts the plan or amendment. The comprehensive plan must contain all of the elements specified in sub. (2). (d) Must hold at least one public hearing at which the proposed ordinance or resolution is discussed. That hearing must be preceded by a class 1 notice under ch. 985 that is published at least 30 days before the hearing is held. (e) At least 30 days before the hearing is held, a local governmental unit shall provide written notice to all of the following: 1. An operator who has obtained, or made application for, a permit that is described under s. 295.12 (3) (d). 2. A person who has registered a marketable nonmetallic mineral deposit under s. 295.20. 3. Any other property owner or leaseholder who has an interest in property pursuant to which the person may extract nonmetallic mineral resources, if the property owner or leaseholder requests in writing that the local governmental unit provide the property owner or leaseholder notice of the hearing described in par. (d). (f) A political subdivision shall maintain a list of persons who submit a written or electronic request to receive notice of any proposed ordinance, described under par. (c), that affects the allowable use of the property owned by the person. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 264 of 270 Consistency of Plan Elements The state comprehensive planning statute requires that the implementation element describe how each of the elements is integrated and made consistent with the other elements of the plan. All elements of the plan were given a final review once the plan was completed to evaluate consistency between elements. Goal Comparison Table The following goal comparison table includes all the goals listed in each chapter element of this plan. The objectives and policies found at the end of each chapter element act as the mechanism to measure the County's progress toward achieving all aspects of the comprehensive plan. Please reference each chapter St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan Goal Comparison TableTimeline Land Use Ongoing Ongoing Goal3:GuideandmanagedevelopmentpatternsthatwillpreservefarmlandandprotectandenhanceSt.Croix Ongoing Agriculture - Farmland Preservation Plan Goal1:PreservefarmlandtomaintainandgrowSt.Croixagriculturalindustryandtoenhancetherural Ongoing landscape. Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Natural Resources Goal1:Preserve,conserve,enhanceandrestorethenaturalresourcesofSt.CroixCountyincollaborationwithall Ongoing stakeholders. Transportation Ongoing Goal2:Provideneighborhoodsandcommunitiesinourcountythatareefficientlyconnectedwitheachotherandthe Ongoing region, moving people and freight through a variety of transportation modal options. Goal3:St.CroixCountywillworktomaintain,sustain,andenhanceourmulti-modaltransportationinfrastructure Ongoing and services in an economical manner. Economic Development Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Housing Goal1:Provideforarangeofaffordable,attractive,efficienthousingoptionsthatprovideasafe,healthyliving Ongoing environment and are compatible with surroundings. Ongoing Goal3:Planfornewhousingtypesanddensitiesthatareconsistentandcompatiblewithlocalcomprehensiveplans Ongoing and meet the forecasted housing needs of residents. Utilities and Community Facilities Goal1:Protectpublichealthandlandandwaterresourcesthroughproperwastewatertreatment,stormwater Ongoing management and management and disposal of solid waste and recycling. Ongoing Goal3:Utilities,communityfacilities,andrelatedserviceswillbeprovidedinacost-efficientandcoordinated Ongoing manner to maintain high quality infrastructure, county facilities and service delivery to meet the needs of residents. Cultural Resources Goal1:Enhanceandmaintainthehistoric,scenicandotherculturalresourcestoimprovequalityoflife, Ongoing preserve rural character, encourage tourism and maintain community identity for current and future County residents. Intergovernmental Cooperation Goal1:Maintainmutuallybeneficialrelationshipswithlocalgovernmententities,neighboringcounties,Stateand Ongoing Federal agencies, school districts and other quasi-governmental agencies serving county residents. Ongoing Goal3:Coordinatetheuseofpublicservicesandfacilitiestoprovidecost-effectiveservicedeliverytocounty Ongoing residents. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 265 of 270 Time Frame This Plan has been written as a guide for development for the next 20 years. Planning progress will likely occur in increments or phases. As shown in the following section, a suggested timeframe has been assigned for each provision or action. The four different timeframes include: Ongoing: Continual planning and monitoring Immediate: Years 1 -2 Short Range: Years 3 - 5 Long Range: Years 5 20 Plan Monitoring, Amendments and Update The County should regularly evaluate its progress towards achieving the recommendations of this plan and amend and update the plan as appropriate. This section suggests recommended criteria and procedures for monitoring, amending and updating the plan. As part of the monitoring process the plan will be continually checked for internal consistency and consistency with other land use regulations and decisions. The county should continuously evaluate its decisions on private development proposals, public investments, regulations, incentives and other actions against the recommendations of this plan. The state comprehensive planning law requires that the county use the same basic process to amend the plan as it used to initially adopt the plan. This does not mean that new surveys need to be conducted. It does mean that the procedures defined under § 66.1001(4) Wis. Stats. need to be followed. Ongoing Planning Comprehensive planning is a continuous process. There are additional planning activities which are identified as a result of the planning process, such as the need for more or better information, studies or analysis. Ongoing planning includes plan monitoring and evaluation to ensure plans stay current with changing conditions. Regular plan evaluation will lead to plan updates whenever necessary. A comprehensive plan that is reviewed and updated periodically will not become outdated and is much easier to implement. To keep it current as circumstances change, ongoing planning is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and review proposed changes to ensure that it is an up-to-date expression of the and analysis on proposed policies or programs. Future - Ongoing Planning Provisions or ActionsTimeline 1Update and identify protection strategies for environmental corridors and environmentally sensitive areas.Short Range 2Conduct a feasibility study, including funding options and criteria for protecting targeted landsCompleted Purchaseand/orTransferofDevelopmentRightsprogramsshouldberesearched,evaluatedanddevelopedin 3Completed conjunction with towns interested in farmland preservation. Developtheonandoff-roadbikewaysystemwithvariedfacilitiesaccordingtotrafficvolumes,road 4Short-Range conditions and available trail routes. Participateinplanningandlocatingfuturemunicipalwastewatertreatmentsystemsandtheirimplicationsfor 5Ongoing county wide development. 6Evaluate the plan and its administration and implementation and report findingsOngoing Ongoing/ 7Determine need for comprehensive plan updates and other plans based on evaluation Long Range 8Update and amend Ordinances & Regulations as needed to be consistent with this planOngoing Continueongoingwell-testingprogramstodevelopscientificallysounddatathatwouldsupportlandusepolicy 9Ongoing regulations for agricultural operations, well water, and groundwater recharge zones. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 266 of 270 Zoning Ordinance County codes and ordinances are an important means of implementing the policies of a comprehensive plan. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations comprise the principal regulatory devices used to protect existing development and guide future growth as prescribed by the comprehensive plan. The County Board is responsible for amending and adopting these local ordinances in conjunction with local Towns. The following section provides a brief overview of existing implementation tools available to the County. Zoning is a primary regulatory tool for implementing land use and development management policies. It can be used to protect existing development and community character and guide future growth as prescribed in this plan by controlling the use of land and the design and placement of structures. The County will update its zoning ordinance to reflect the plan objectives and policies under Section 59.65(5)(d), Wisconsin State Statutes. It is important for the county to revise its zoning ordinance so that it is consistent with the comprehensive plan and state statute. Since seventeen of the twenty one towns have adopted County zoning, the towns and the county will need to use this plan and the local town plans as guidance to ensure that the county zoning ordinances and plan are consistent. Therefore, successful implementation of the ordinance requires partnership, communication and coordination. The County needs to work with the towns to resolve conflicts over zoning enforcement and zoning changes. Joint meetings should be held to negotiate solutions. In addition, cities, villages, and towns should continue to collaborate on zoning concerns and land use policies by having a joint planning commission to resolve land use disputes. With good relationship among government jurisdictions, the - service, storm water management, and environmental corridors. The County does not support rezoning or development of all the lands identified for development on the Future Land Use Map immediately following adoption of this Plan, nor do the Towns. Other factors will have to be considered, such as the quality of the proposed development, its potential effect on adjacent properties, the ability to provide services to the site, and the phasing of development. Neither the Future Land Use Map, nor the policies within this Chapter, requires a landowner to change the current use of his or her land. While it can make sense to match portions of the Future Land Use Map with the County Zoning Map immediately after plan adoption, other portions of the zoning map can achieve consistency with the land use plan incrementally over time. Land Division The land division ordinance which regulates subdivision platting and design requirements, controls all land divisions, as well as directs new developments, is one of the essential tools for plan implementation. The county is authorized under Section 236.45 and 236.46, Wisconsin State Statutes to adopt land division control ordinances. they may adopt their own subdivision ordinances. The areas where cities, villages and towns meet are often regulated by multi-jurisdictional subdivision authority. These authorities should work together to eliminate conflicts in their review processes and standards. Local municipalities may also find opportunities to develop and implement boundary and annexation agreements to resolve existing and potential land use conflicts. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 267 of 270 Zoning and Land Division Provisions or ActionsTimeline Thecountywillestablishandmakeavailablemultipleagriculturalzoningdistrictsinconformancewith 1Ch.91,FarmlandPreservation,resultinginacomprehensiverevisionoftheSt.CroixCountyZoningCompleted ordinance. Updateandrevisezoningordinancestomeetthediverseneedsofresidentsandlandownerspotentially 2Ongoing resulting in a comprehensive revision of the zoning ordinance. UpdateandrevisethecountyshorelandzoningordinancetomeetNR115WisconsinAdministrative 3Ongoing Code Revisions. DevelopspecificplansandpoliciestoaddressprotectionoftheSt.CroixRiverwatershedandexpected 4Ongoing development Thecountywillestablishandmakeavailablezoningstandardstoprohibitmajorsubdivisionsinfarmland 5Completed preservation areas. Amendsubdivisionordinancewithasiteplanreviewprocessandstandardsthatenhancethevisualand 6Short Range functional quality of development. UpdateCountymobilehomeparkregulationstorequireandencouragenewandexistingmobilehomeUpdatedHaz. 7 parks to address storm shelters and emergency plans.Mit. Plan Workcloselywiththetowns,cities,andvillagestoencouragethemtodevelopordinancesthatare 8Ongoing compatible with the County plan. Updateandkeepcountyordinancescurrentwithrevisionsinstatelaw,toaddresschangingneedsof 9Ongoing residents and respond to concerns of local government. 10Encourage land use programming that protects the health, safety, and welfare of county residents.Ongoing Intergovernmental Cooperation St Croix County is undoubtedly the principal player in implementing the comprehensive plan. However, federal and state agencies, neighboring counties, municipal jurisdictions, and/or agencies are important components to plan implementation and meeting future needs. Cooperative relationships with local units of government and neighboring jurisdictions and agencies will not only foster coordinated development and enhance the overall quality of life, but also help achieve some of the plan goals, objectives and policies in a cost-effective way. The following table identifies possible intergovernmental activities the county can participate in and certain actions the county can take to improve implementation. Intergovernmental Cooperation Provisions or ActionsTimeline 1Encourage and participate in sewer service area planning.Ongoing Protectandmanageidentifieduniqueopenspaceareas,throughthecooperationofstateandfederalagencies, 2Ongoing local governments, conservation groups, and landowners. 3Work with state agencies to enforce regulations that protect the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.Ongoing CooperatewiththeLowerSt.CroixRiverManagementCommissionandothersincomprehensiveriverway 4Ongoing planning and management efforts. Encouragetherestorationofprairieorgrasslandecosystemsthroughcooperativeeffortsofthestate,countyand 5Ongoing federal agencies, and landowners. Updateandenhanceshorelandordinancesbasedonthemostup-to-dateStaterevisionstoprovidegreater 6Ongoing shoreland habitat protection on sensitive shorelines and lakes. Promote the use of shoreland habitat restoration as a best management practice. Work with state agencies, Lake 7DistrictsandLakeAssociationstosupporttheenforcementofregulationsthatprotectandrestoreshorelandOngoing habitat. Workwiththelocalgovernmentsandthestatetodetermine,andplanfor,necessarylocalimprovementstothe 8 transportation system in St. Croix County.Ongoing Encouragethestatetoconsiderlocalplanningfindings,goals,objectivesandpolicieswhenplanningmajor 9Ongoing transportation facilities. WorkwithlocalcommunitiesandstateandfederalagenciestoimplementtheSt.CroixCountyBicycleand 10Ongoing Pedestrian Plan. WorkwithlocalmunicipalitiestoimproveSt.CroixCountyZoningordinancesregardingpropertymaintenance 11Ongoing and nuisance issues. St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 268 of 270 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan DRAFT 02/21/2024 Page 269 of 270