Chapter 7 Land Use and Housing

Transcription

Town of Koshkonong
Comprehensive Land Use Plan
2010-2035
Acknowledgements
Special thanks go to the Town of Koshkonong Planning Commission for the leading roll they
took in the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2010-2035, the people of the
Town of Koshkonong for participating in the planning process, and the Town of Koshkonong
Board of Supervisors for their support of this plan. The following individuals provided a great
deal of time, input, and information.
Board of Supervisors
Tim Griep, Chair
Carol Clavey, Supervisor I
Jim Brandenburg, Supervisor II
D. Jae Ames, Supervisor III
John Debereiner, Supervisor IV
Planning Commission
Len Kalvaitis, Chair
Sally Kutz
Gary Kutz
Craig Long
Kirk Nelson
Cathy Naber
Peter Jacobs, Former Planning Commission Member
Kim Cheney, Town Clerk
Dan Gebauer, Town Treasurer
Judy Almquist, Former Town Treasurer
Consultant
LanDesign by Margaret Burlingham LLC
Palmyra, Wisconsin
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Planning Context and Summary ........................................................................ 1-1
1.1 Wisconsin Comprehensive Land Use Planning Law.......................................................... 1-1
1.2 Previous Planning Efforts ................................................................................................. 1-3
1.3 Public Participation in Land Use Planning ........................................................................ 1-4
1.4 Demographic Information and Trends ............................................................................... 1-6
Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2
Table 1.3
Table 1.4
Table 1.5
Figure 1.6
Table 1.7
Table 1.8
Table 1.9
Town of Koshkonong Location.......................................................................................1-1
January 1, 2008 Preliminary Population Estimates........................................................1-7
Projected Rate of Population Growth..............................................................................1-8
Household Demographics ................................................................................................1-9
Change in Household Numbers 2005-2030 ....................................................................1-9
Age Distribution in 2000................................................................................................1-10
Age Group Details ..........................................................................................................1-10
Jefferson County and Town of Koshkonong Ethnic Characteristics ...........................1-11
School Enrollment in 2000.............................................................................................1-12
Chapter 2 Issues and Opportunities .................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Land Use Issues and Opportunities ................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Vision .............................................................................. 2-3
Chapter 3 History, Culture, Town Government, Infrastructure and Utilities ................... 3-1
3.1 Town of Koshkonong History and Culture ........................................................................ 3-1
3.2 Cultural Resource Opportunities, Goals, Objectives, and Strategies ................................... 3-3
3.3 Infrastructure, Community Facilities and Utilities Goals, Objectives, and Policies............. 3-4
3.4 Town of Koshkonong Governance and Community Facilities ........................................... 3-6
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
Figure 3.3
Table 3.4
Town of Koshkonong Community Facilities..................................................................3-7
Fire Districts......................................................................................................................3-8
School Districts.................................................................................................................3-9
September 2008 Pupil Count ..........................................................................................3-9
Chapter 4 Natural Resources and Recreation ..................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Natural Resource and Recreation Issues ............................................................................ 4-1
4.2 Natural Resource Protection and Recreation Goals, Objectives, and Strategies .................. 4-2
4.3 Natural Resources............................................................................................................. 4-4
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
Figure 4.5
Elevation Over 900 Feet...................................................................................................4-4
Environmental Corridors & Upland Woods ...................................................................4-5
Water and Wetlands .........................................................................................................4-6
Parks, Trails, and Public Open Space .............................................................................4-8
Park & Trail Map..............................................................................................................4-8
Chapter 5 Business and Agriculture .................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Issues for Economic Growth ............................................................................................. 5-2
5.2 Business and Agriculture Goals, Objectives and Strategies................................................ 5-2
5.3 Local Economic Conditions .............................................................................................. 5-3
5.4 Issues for Agriculture........................................................................................................ 5-7
I
5.5 Agriculture Goals, Objectives and Strategies..................................................................... 5-8
5.6 Agriculture Resources....................................................................................................... 5-9
Figure 5.1
Figure 5.2
Table 5.3
Table 5.4
Table 5.5
Table 5.6
Workforce Statistics .........................................................................................................5-5
Employment ......................................................................................................................5-5
Land in Farms and Farm Sales.........................................................................................5-9
Koshkonong Farm Products ........................................................................................... 5.10
All Agricultural Land Sold in Jefferson County 2002 through 2007 ..........................5-11
Agricultural Land Sales without Buildings in Jefferson county ..................................5-11
Chapter 6 Transportation .................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 Transportation Issues ......................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Transportation Goals, Objectives, Policies, and Programs .................................................. 6-2
6.3 Existing Road System ........................................................................................................ 6-6
6.4 Modes of Transportation.................................................................................................... 6-8
6.5 Jefferson County Transportation Plans ..............................................................................6-11
6.6 State of Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Transportation Plans ....................................................6-12
6.7 Federal and State of Wisconsin Transportation Funding....................................................6-14
Figure 6.1 Town of Koshkonong Transportation Routes..................................................................6-5
Table 6.2 Koshkonong Roadway Volume .......................................................................................6-7
Table 6.3 Jefferson County 2007 Crash Severity ............................................................................6-8
Chapter 7 Land Use and Housing ........................................................................................ 7-1
7.1 Land Use and Housing Overview....................................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Land Use and Housing Goals, Objectives and Strategies .................................................... 7-3
7.3 Town of Koshkonong Future Growth Areas ....................................................................... 7-8
7.4 Agricultural Preservation ..................................................................................................7-12
7.5 Land Use Patterns and Trends ...........................................................................................7-12
7.6 Housing Trends ................................................................................................................7-15
7.7 Physical Properties of Land That Influence Use ................................................................7-17
Figure 7.1
Figure 7.2
Figure 7.3
Figure 7.4
Figure 7.5
Figure 7.6
Figure 7.7
Table 7.8
Figure 7.9
Table 7.10
Table 7.11
Table 7.12
Table 7.13
Table 7.14
Figure 7.15
Figure 7.16
Table 7.17
Figure 7.18
Figure 7.19
Municipal Boundaries ....................................................................................................7-1
Town of Koshkonong Land Use Plan ...........................................................................7-7
Koshkonong Sanitary District #1 ..................................................................................7-8
Sanitary District Zoning.................................................................................................7-9
Future Growth Areas Agricultural Soils .....................................................................7-11
Future Growth Areas Soil Limitations for Private Septic Systems ...........................7-11
Land Use Pie Chart.......................................................................................................7-13
Land Use by Acres and Percent ..................................................................................7-13
Town of Koshkonong Land Use..................................................................................7-14
Parcel Size ....................................................................................................................7-15
Units in Housing Structure ..........................................................................................7-16
Year Housing Structure Built......................................................................................7-16
Net Addition of Housing Units ...................................................................................7-16
Agricultural Soil Capability Class ..............................................................................7-18
Agricultural Soil Map ..................................................................................................7-18
Highly Erodible Soils...................................................................................................7-19
Soil Suitability for Septic Systems .............................................................................7-19
Septic System Limitations Map...................................................................................7-20
Flood Plains ..................................................................................................................7-20
II
Chapter 8 Intergovernmental Cooperation ......................................................................... 8-1
8.1 Existing and Potential Issues Between the Town of Koshkonong and
Other Units of Government................................................................................................ 8-1
8.2 Intergovernmental Actions ................................................................................................. 8-2
8.3 Intergovernmental Cooperation Goals, Objectives, and Strategies ...................................... 8-2
8.4 Intergovernmental Plans and Agreements........................................................................... 8-3
Figure 8.1 Extraterritorial Jurisdiction ...............................................................................................8-1
Figure 8.2 Boundary Agreements .......................................................................................................8-6
Chapter 9 Implementation ................................................................................................... 9-1
9.1 Implementation Goals and Strategies ................................................................................. 9-1
9.2 Consistency of Plan, Elements, and Ordinances ................................................................. 9-2
9.3 Recommended Ordinance and Policy Updates ................................................................... 9-3
9.4 Intergovernmental Agreement Recommendations .............................................................. 9-4
9.5 Special Local Initiatives ..................................................................................................... 9-4
9.6 Scheduled Plan Review and Amending the Plan................................................................. 9-5
III
Chapter 1
Planning Context and Summary
The Town of Koshkonong is located in south central
Jefferson County along Lake Koshkonong and
surrounding the City of Fort Atkinson (Figure 1.1).
Figure 1.1
The predominant land use in the Town of Koshkonong
is agriculture. Growth and development are influenced
by the cities of Whitewater, Fort Atkinson, Madison,
and Janesville and the proximity of Lake Koshkonong,
which attracts residents and vacationers alike.
The Town of Koshkonong was the fourth fastest
growing Town in Jefferson County in 2008 behind the
Towns of Ixonia, Waterloo, and Oakland. It was the
ninth fastest growing municipality out of twenty seven
towns, villages, and cities.
The Town has pre-existing R-2 (unsewered residential)
zoned subdivisions and lots and the dormant Town of
Koshkonong Sanitary District where sanitary sewer
was proposed but is not planned at this time. A limited
The Town of Koshkonong is in darker green.
number of lots may also be rezoned in the rural areas
from A-1 (agricultural) to A-3 (rural residential) based
on the Jefferson County Farmland Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan and Jefferson County
Zoning Ordinance 11. There are approximately 500 A-3 lots that could be rezoned in the Town of
Koshkonong.
Where the expanding population will live is a key issue in the Town of Koshkonong. The best location
for additional housing development and determining the extent of that development was the primary focus
of this plan and the public meetings held to inform the plan.
1.1
Wisconsin Comprehensive Land Use Planning Law
The State of Wisconsin Comprehensive Land Use Planning Law, Statute 66.1001, requires every city,
village, and most towns to approve a comprehensive land use plan by 2010 and to ensure that all local
land use ordinances, official maps, and decisions are consistent with the adopted plan. The Town of
Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan addresses the following nine elements required by statute.
Required Elements
 Issues and Opportunities
 Housing
 Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural Resources
 Transportation
 Economic Development
 Utilities and Community Facilities
 Intergovernmental Cooperation
 Land Use
 Implementation
1-1
Planning Summary and Context
Each element includes inventory and background information, forecasts, goals, objectives, strategies, and
proposed policies. Some elements are grouped together in one chapter. The nine elements must be
consistent with each other and all Town ordinances and land use maps.
In addition, the following fourteen planning goals are recommended by the State of Wisconsin and all of
them were considered in the development of each element.
State of Wisconsin Planning Goals:

Promote the redevelopment of lands with existing infrastructure and public services and the
maintenance and rehabilitation of existing residential, commercial and industrial structures.

Encourage neighborhood designs that support a range of transportation choices.

Protect natural areas, including wetlands, wildlife habitats, lakes, woodlands, open spaces and
groundwater resources.

Protect economically productive areas, including farmland and forests.

Encourage land uses, densities and regulations that promote efficient development patterns and
relatively low municipal, state governmental and utility costs.

Preserve cultural, historic and archaeological sites.

Encourage coordination and cooperation among nearby units of government.

Build community identity by revitalizing main streets and enforcing design standards

Provide an adequate supply of affordable housing for individuals of all income levels throughout
each community.

Provide adequate infrastructure and public services and an adequate supply of developable land to
meet existing and future market demand for residential, commercial and industrial uses.

Promote the expansion or stabilization of the current economic base and the creation of a range of
employment opportunities at the state, regional and local levels.

Balance individual property rights with community interests and goals.

Planning and development of land uses that create or preserve varied and unique urban and rural
communities.

Provide an integrated, efficient and economical transportation system that affords mobility,
convenience and safety and that meets the needs of all citizens, including transit-dependent and
disabled citizens.
1-2
1.2
Previous Planning Efforts
Several major planning efforts have taken place in the Town of Koshkonong and Jefferson County that
influence land use and the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Town of Koshkonong Land Use Plan, 1996
The existing Town of Koshkonong Land Use Plan was developed during 1995. A resident survey and
several planning workshops advised the plan.
Goals, objectives, and policies were developed to guide land use in the following categories:
Residential Land Use
 Provide opportunities for an adequate amount and diversity of housing.
 Encourage residential development which enhances the rural character.
Agricultural Land Use
 To preserve productive farmlands for continued agricultural use.
 To maintain agriculture as the major economic activity and way of life within the Town.
Commercial & Industrial Land Use
 Encourage location of commercial and light industrial activities into compatible, attractive,
and efficient industrial and commercial centers in close proximity to population centers for
the availability of effective services and transportation.
Open Space, Environmental & Natural Resources Land Use
 Protect, preserve and conserve prime soils for agriculture use.
 Protect, preserve and conserve high quality groundwater, and protect and improve surface
water quality.
 Retain and protect open space for recreation, wildlife habitat, historical and archaeological
preservation and conservation.
The 1996 Land Use Plan gave implementation recommendations and general rural development
principles for siting residences, businesses, and accessory structures.
Town of Koshkonong Code of Ordinances, 1996
The Code of Ordinances forms the land use policy of the Town of Koshkonong. Chapter 9
Implementation discusses proposed ordinance changes or additions. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan
compliments and is consistent with the Town’s Code of Ordinances.
Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan, 1999
The Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan “provides a vision and guidelines for
growth, development, and land preservation in Jefferson County” through 2020. The Plan includes
policies for agricultural preservation areas, rural hamlets, urban service areas, environmental corridor
overlay districts, interim transition area land use policies, and a park, open space, and environmental
protection plan.
Land division and re-zoning approvals in the Town of Koshkonong occur under the County’s plan and the
Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance and must be approved by the Town Planning Commission, the Town
Board, the County Zoning Committee and the County Board of Supervisors. The Town of Koshkonong
has the option to have more limitations on development than Jefferson County and may create an infill
plan for the Town of Koshkonong Sanitary District.
1-3
Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan 2005-2010
The Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan assessed the condition of existing Town Parks, made
recommendations for improvements to those parks, and proposed future trail, acquisition, and park
initiative projects.
Town of Koshkonong Park and Trail Network Plan, 2001
The Park and Trail Network Plan identifies potential trail corridors and parklands south of Hackbarth
Road, where most of the residential development in the Town of Koshkonong is occurring. Mush-Ko-SeDay Park, originally identified in this study, has been acquired and bike lane connections to the park from
adjacent subdivisions have been implemented.
Jefferson County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, 2005-2010
The Jefferson County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan defines a vision for the County Parks
Department and System. The previous 1995 Jefferson County Plan developed 13 “Key Directions” for
the parks system.
Jefferson County Park facilities that are located in the Town of Koshkonong are the Glacial River Trail in
the rail right-of-way along State Highway 26, which runs from the Rock County line to the City of Fort
Atkinson where the City maintains a new extension of the trail and Indian Mounds Park where eleven
effigy mounds are found.
Jefferson County Bikeway/Pedestrianway Plan, 1996
This plan identifies bicycle and pedestrian routes within Jefferson County and its communities to increase
bicycle and pedestrian modes of travel, to improve safety for these users, and recommends links between
communities. In the Town of Koshkonong the routes connect Fort Atkinson with Rock County by the
Glacial River Trial, which is a multi-use rails-to-trails project maintained by Jefferson County and the
City of Fort Atkinson. An award winning covered bridge, built from salvaged barn timbers, graces the
trail. Another route connects Fort Atkinson to Walworth County via Poeppel, McIntyre, and McMillen
Roads. Fort Atkinson is connected to Whitewater and Palmyra via Bark River Road. County bike routes
have been mapped and marked with signs and cities and villages are implementing the plan as well.
Jefferson County started updating the plan in 2009.
Glacial Heritage Area
The State Natural Resources Board has identified western Jefferson County, far northern Rock County,
eastern Dane County, and far southwest Dodge County as the Glacial Heritage Area study area. At this
writing, the WDNR is updating the master plans for all State Wildlife Areas in the Glacial Heritage Area
including the Lake Koshkonong Wildlife Area in the Town of Koshkonong. An External Advisory Team
has been meeting to develop exact project locations that will offer natural resource-based recreational
activities, trails connecting cities and villages to parks, and farmland protection opportunities. The plan
developed by this team and the WDNR will be implemented by multiple jurisdictions, agencies, and
organizations in a partnership effort.
1.3
Public Participation in Land Use Planning
Public participation is an important part of comprehensive land use planning. It provides a way to
incorporate the voice and knowledge of local residents and property owners into the land use plan and
reflect the desires of the community.
1-4
The Wisconsin Comprehensive Land Use Planning Law requires the Town of Koshkonong Board of
Supervisors to adopt a written public participation plan for involving Town residents in the development
of the plan. Proposed, alternative, or amended elements of the plan must be widely distributed in the
community and opportunities must be available for the public to submit written comments and for the
Town Board to respond to each written comment.
The Town of Koshkonong Planning Commission guided the
land use planning process. The public was involved
throughout the process, which is summarized in this section.
Background Information
During 2006, the Town of Koshkonong Planning
Commission and consultant LanDesign by Margaret
Burligham LLC researched background information for all
the land use plan elements. The public in attendance at Plan
Commission meetings where the background information
was discussed were invited to participate in the discussion.
The background and inventory information for each element
is given in the corresponding chapter.
The June 2007 Public Visioning Meeting.
Planning Kick-Off Meeting
Steve Grabow, Professor and Jefferson County Community Development Educator with UW-Extension,
met with the Plan Commission and interested citizens on November 29, 2006. After an overview of the
Wisconsin comprehensive land use planning law and information on creating a sense of place, Mr.
Grabow and the participants completed a short visioning exercise.
Visioning Sessions
During three public visioning meetings residents expressed their ideas on what they would like the Town
of Koshkonong to look like in the future and what they were concerned about. The meetings were posted
and reported in the Daily Jefferson County Union newspaper and reminders were announced over the
radio on WFAW. Planning Commission and Town Board members attended the meetings to hear the
ideas. All the handouts, background reports, and maps were available at the Town Hall throughout the
planning process.
About 40 people participated in two public visioning meetings lead by Steve Grabow, UW-Extension
Community Educator. The meetings were held on March 7 and June 20, 2007.
Monthly Planning Commission Work Sessions
The Planning Commission used the public input during monthly work sessions over the course of two
years to write goals, objectives, and proposed land use strategies and policies. The work sessions were
noticed and open to the public. The Town Board representative on the Planning Commission reported to
the Town Board on the progress of the plan.
Focus Groups
Three focus groups, listed below, were held in the spring of 2008 to gather information on specific land
use topics.
Farming and Agriculture
Real Estate and Business
Koshkonong Organizations
March 17, 2008
April 15, 2008
April 22, 2008
14 attendees
11 attendees
7 attendees
1-5
Third Public Input Meeting
Participants at this hands-on workshop worked in small groups to draw their land use visions on maps of
the Town. They thought about how much residential and business growth is right for the Town of
Koshkonong and indicated their preferred areas for agriculture, housing, business, and natural resource
protection. The groups presented their maps to the other participants and the maps were compared to see
if there was agreement or if there are differing visions. In general the maps focused new development in
the Sanitary District area with less development in the rural areas. Protecting natural resources such as
Allen Creek, wetland, and Lake Koshkonong were also indicated on the maps.
Fourth Public Input Meeting
A fourth public meeting was held for citizens to review and comment on a draft land use map and goals,
objectives and policies for the land use plan. Comments generally suggested that the Jefferson County
Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan should be followed, that new residential development should
be directed to the Sanitary District area, that prime agricultural land should be protected, and the transfer
of development rights in some fashion should be considered allowing for lots to be moved from rural
areas to infill areas within the Sanitary District.
Public Hearing
The Town of Koshkonong Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on the Ordinance adopting the
Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2010-2035 on August 24, 2009. The meeting was
noticed to the public. See the Ordinance at the front of the Plan.
Adoption: The Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2010-2035 was officially adopted
as an ordinance by the Town of Koshkonong Board of Supervisors, see the Town Board Resolution at the
front of the Plan for the date.
1.4
Demographic Information and Trends
This section of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan provides demographic background and trend data on
population, households, ethnicity, and educational attainment. In many cases, the most recent data on the
township level is from the 2000 U.S. Census. Recent population data and projections are from the State
of Wisconsin Department of Administration Demographic Services division.
Population and Density
The 2008 population of the Town of Koshkonong was estimated at 3,622 people. 1,735 residents, or 51.1
percent, were male and 1,660, or 48.9 percent, were female.
Since 2000 the population of the Town of Koshkonog has increased by 6.7 percent. The Town’s
population has been growing at about the same rate as Jefferson County as a whole and faster than the
State of Wisconsin. Table 1.2 gives 2008 population estimates for all the units of government in
Jefferson County. The Town of Koshkonong was the 4th fastest growing township by percent of
population increase since 2000 behind Ixonia, Waterloo, and Oakland; and had the second highest number
of new residents at 227. The Town of Koshkonong had a medium growth rate when compared to all other
communities and towns and is the ninth fastest growing community in the County out of twenty seven
municipalities.
The Wisconsin Department of Administration makes annual population estimates and projections out to
2030 and estimates that the Town of Koshknong population will be 4,282 by 2030, an increase of 660
people or 18 percent. The Department of Administration (DOA) population projections assume that the
1-6
rate of population growth will not change in the future. In reality, the rate of population growth is not
steady but fluctuates in response to different influences such as economic factors, zoning policies, and
new road construction.
Figure 1.3 charts two DOA projections, one from 1997 and another from 2008. The graph shows that the
population of the Town of Koshkonong has been growing at a rate faster than past DOA projections. In
the future the growth rate could increase or slow down, depending on a multitude of factors.
Table 1.2 January 1, 2008 Preliminary Population Estimates
MUNICIPALITY
T AZTALAN
T COLD SPRING
T CONCORD
T FARMINGTON
T HEBRON
T IXONIA
T JEFFERSON
T KOSHKONONG
T LAKE MILLS
T MILFORD
T OAKLAND
T PALMYRA
T SULLIVAN
T SUMNER
T WATERLOO
T WATERTOWN
V CAMBRIDGE
V JOHNSON CREEK
V LAC LA BELLE
V PALMYRA
V SULLIVAN
C FORT ATKINSON
C JEFFERSON
C LAKE MILLS
C WATERLOO
C WATERTOWN
C WHITEWATER
JEFFERSON Total
WISCONSIN Total
JEFFERSON
COUNTY
PORTION
*
*
*
*
2000
CENSUS
2008 ESTIMATE
NUMERIC
CHANGE
PERCENT
CHANGE
1,447
766
2,023
1,498
1,135
2,902
2,395
3,395
1,936
1,055
3,135
1,145
2,124
904
832
1,876
87
1,581
1,766
688
11,621
7,208
4,843
3,259
13,535
2,611
75,767
5,363,715
1,468
785
2,138
1,533
1,161
3,580
2,187
3,622
2,059
1,082
3,354
1,211
2,244
906
962
1,962
109
2,122
2
1,782
670
12,130
7,777
5,389
3,352
14,585
2,850
81,022
5,675,156
21
19
115
35
26
678
(208)
227
123
27
219
66
120
2
130
86
22
541
2
16
(18)
509
569
546
93
1,050
239
5,255
311,441
1.5%
2.5%
5.7%
2.3%
2.3%
23.4%
-8.7%
6.7%
6.4%
2.6%
7.0%
5.8%
5.6%
0.2%
15.6%
4.6%
25.3%
34.2%
0.0%
0.9%
-2.6%
4.4%
7.9%
11.3%
2.9%
7.8%
9.2%
6.9%
5.8%
1-7
Figure 1.3 Projected Rate of Population Growth
Population change depends on both the rates of natural increase and in-migration. Natural increase is
expected to slow statewide by 2020; however, the rate of new residents entering the state is expected to
remain at a high level. Between 2000 and 2020 the net gain from migration will account for about 34
percent of the state’s population growth and then increase to about 37 percent of the population growth.
Birth and death trends indicate that the natural increase in the State population will slow by the 2020’s.
The growing birth rate is expected to stabilize around the year 2015 and the number of deaths will
increase due to the aging of baby boomers.
In 2000, 9.5 percent of the Town’s population lived in urban clusters (subdivisions), 85 percent lived in
rural residences, and 4.5 percent lived on farms.1 The Town of Koshkonong population density of 80.7
persons per square mile in 2000 was lower than that of Jefferson County (132.9 persons per square mile)
and the state (97.7 persons per square mile).
Future annexation by the Cities of Fort Atkinson or Whitewater may absorb some of the Town’s
population and land base. Conversely, development of existing R-2 zones (Residential Unsewered)
within the Town of Koshkonong or designating residential and commercial infill zones could increase the
population and possibly the demand for services.
Households
The Department of Administration estimated that there were 1,328 households in the Town of Koshknong
in 2005, an increase of 79 households since 2000 (Table 1.5). By 2030, 1,664 households are projected
to live in the Town, an increase of 415 since the year 2000.2 Family households comprised 77.3 percent
of all households (Table 1.4). Of those, 67.6 percent were married-couple families and 5.8 percent were
female householders. Of the non-family households, which comprise 22.7 percent of all households, 17.4
percent were householders living alone. 3
Not all residents live in family households. In 2000, 39 people lived in group homes in the Town of
Koshkonong, which was 1.2 percent of the population. People age 65 and over live in 22.2 percent of all
households in the Town of Koshkonong and 35 percent of them live alone.
The number of households is increasing at a rate that is faster than population growth and household size
is decreasing as baby boomers age and more people are living in single person households. The average
1-8
household size in 2000 was 2.69 persons. In 2030 the average household size is projected at 2.54
persons. Smaller housing units, condominiums, or retirement communities near services may become
more desirable as household size decreases and the median population age increases. The projected
increase in the number of total households may indicate a future need for additional housing in the Town
and policies that will guide the location of residential development.
Table 1.4 Household Demographics
Number of
Households
Number of households in 2000
Population
Population living in households
Population not living in households (group quarters)
Family households
Family households with own children under 18
Non-Family household (includes those living alone)
Householder living alone
Married couple families
Single female householder
Single female householder with own children under 18
Households with individuals 65 years and over
Householder 65 years old and over living alone
Average household size in 2000
Average family size
Percent of All
Households
1,249
3,395
3,356
39
965
425
284
217
844
72
38
277
97
2.69
3.02
100%
100%
98.9%
1.1%
77.3%
33.2%
22.7%
17.4%
67.6%
5.8%
3.0%
22.2
7.8%
Table 1.5 Changes in Household Numbers 2005-2030
Year
Number of
Households
2000
2005
2030 Projection
1,249
1,328
1,664
Numerical
Change since
2000
Percent
Increase
79
415
6.3%
33.2%
Population in
Housholds
3,356
3,519
4,221
Numerical
Change
Percent
Increase
163
887
Age Distribution
The median age of the Town’s population was 39.9 in 2000. Figure 1.6 and Table 1.7 show the age
distribution of residents in 2000. 4
Figure 1.6 shows a peak in the 35-44 and 45-54 age groups with a dip in the 20-24 age group when young
people attend college or strike out on their own. A Wisconsin Department of Administration study of
population trends through 2030 predicts that the state-wide working age population, ages 18 through 64,
will peak in 2015 and then decline slightly by 2030. Table 1.7 provides details on age groups and the
distribution of males and females for each age group.
State-wide the 65-plus population is expected to increase slowly until 2010 and then grow dramatically,
their numbers increasing by 90.2 percent by 2030. Senior citizens formed 13 percent of the Wisconsin
population in 2000. They are projected to account for 21 percent of the population in 2030. 5 The
population of people age 85 and over is projected to increase by nearly 66 percent by 2030 statewide.
1-9
4.9%
26.4%
Life expectancy is likely to rise to 78.5 by 2030 for males and 83.5 years for females.
These statistics may indicate the need for more services for mature citizens, universally accessible
housing or more assisted living units, accessible public transportation, and the possibility that these
citizens may move out of the community to retire elsewhere or retirees from urban areas may move into
the Town.
Figure 1.6 Age Distribution in 2000
Age Distribution
>85
75 - 84
65 -74
60 - 64
55 - 59
Age
45 - 54
35 -44
25 - 34
20 - 24
15 - 19
10 - 14
5-9
<5
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Number of Residents
Table 1.7 Age Group Details
Age Group
Under 18 years
18 to 64 years
18 to 24 years
25 to 44 years
25 to 34 years
35 to 44 years
45 to 64 years
45 to 54 years
55 to 64 years
65 years and over
65 to 74 years
75 to 84 years
85 years and over
2000 Total
860
2,159
219
942
332
610
998
615
383
376
198
137
41
1-10
Percent
25.3%
63.6%
6.5%
27.7%
9.8%
18.0%
29.4%
18.1%
11.3%
11.1%
5.8%
4.0%
1.2%
Men
456
1,105
124
466
169
297
515
313
202
174
98
63
13
Women
404
1,054
95
476
163
313
483
302
181
202
100
74
28
Ethnicity
Nearly all town residents, 97.2 percent, were white alone in 2000 (Table 1.8); 1.8 percent were Hispanic
or Latino of any race; and 0.8 percent were American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, or some other or
two or more races. The Hispanic and Latino populations in Wisconsin have been experiencing the
greatest growth of all ethnic groups, see Table 1.8. 6 Hispanic and Latino immigrants are finding
employment at large farms, landscape nurseries, and factories in Jefferson County and have formed a
sizable community.
Residents with German ancestors account for 54 percent of the town’s population, followed by
Norwegian and Irish at about 11 percent each, and English at 8.5 percent. Each ethnic group brings its
traditions and culture to the Town of Koshkonong.
Table 1.8 Jefferson County and Town of Koshkonong Ethnic Characteristics 7
Census
Year
1990
Jefferson
County
Percent of
Population
2000
Jefferson
County
Percent of
Population
2000 Town
Koshkonong
Percent of
Population
Total
Population
White
Black or
African
American
Native
American
Asian
Native
Hawaiian
or Pacific
Islander
Hispanic
Some
Other
Race
Two or
More
Races
67,783
66702
189
176
269
14
1160
429
Not
Available
100%
98.4%
0.3%
0.3%
0.4%
0.02%
1.7%
0.6%
Not
Available
74,021
71,309
210
249
333
14
3031
1220
686
100%
96.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.4%
0.02%
4.1%
1.6%
0.9%
3,395
3,324
1
10
6
0
60
18
35
100%
97.9%
0.03%
0.3%
0.2%
0%
1.8%
0.5%
1.1%
Education
The number of Town residents enrolled in Kindergarten through graduate school was 928 in 2000 (Table
1.9). 8 Forty two percent of those students were in elementary school and 33 percent were in high school.
Of the population 25 years and older, 87.3 percent have graduated from high school and 20.4 percent have
bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Students from the Town of Koshkonong may attend one of three public school districts, Fort Atkinson,
Milton, or Whitewater; depending on where they live in the Town. Students may also apply to attend the
school of their choice outside of their home district or may choose to attend private schools in the area.
In the Fort Atkinson School District, elementary students from the Town of Koshkonong attend either
Luther Elementary or Purdy Elementary. In the Whitewater District elementary students from
Koshkonong attend Lincoln Elementary, and in the Milton School District they most likely attend West
Elementary but may attend other elementary schools with specialized programs. Faith Community
Christian School on Hackbarth Road is the only private school that is located in the Town of
Koshkonong. All schools and total enrollments are listed in Chapter 3 under community facilities.
Table 1.9 compares Town of Koshkonong year 2000 school enrolment and educational attainment
statistics with Jefferson County. Educational attainment in the Town is very similar to that of Jefferson
County as a whole, with a slightly higher percent of Town residents age 25 and over having graduated
from high school or earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
1-11
Table 1.9
School Enrollment in 2000 3 years old and over
Nursery school, preschool
Kindergarten
Elementary school (grades 1-8)
High school (grades 9-12)
College or graduate school
Number
Town of
Koshkonong
928
66
37
390
307
128
Percent in the
Town of
Koshkonong
100.0
7.1
4.0
42.0
33.1
13.8
2,242
62
223
839
500
161
281
176
100.0
2.8
9.9
37.4
22.3
7.2
12.5
7.9
100.0
6.1
9.3
38.5
21.3
7.5
12.3
5.1
87.3
20.4
84.7
17.4
Educational Attainment
Population 25 years and over
Less than 9th grade
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
High school graduate (includes equivalency)
Some college, no degree
Associates degree
Bachelor’s degree
Graduate or professional degree
Percent high school graduate or higher
Percent bachelor’s degree or higher
Percent in
Jefferson County
1
100.0
7.1
5.1
46.4
24.2
17.2
U.S. Census 2000. Summary File 3.
Demographic Services Center. Wisconsin Department of Administration. Final Household Projections for
Wisconsin Municipalities: 2000-2025.
3
US Census 2000. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics:2000. Koshkonong town, Jefferson County,
Wisconsin.
4
U.S. Census Bureau. Census 2000. Age Groups and Sex: 2000 Koshkonong town, Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
5
Egan-Robertson, David, D. Harrier, B. Kale. Wisconsin Population 2030 – A Report on Projected State, County
and Municipal Populations and Households for the Period 2000-2030.
6
U.S. Census Bureau Jefferson County Quick Facts.
7
U.S. Census Bureau. Census 2000. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 Koshkonong town,
Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
8
U.A. Census Bureau. Census 2000. Profile of Selected Social Characteristics: 2000, Jefferson County, Wisconsin
and Koshkonong Town, Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
2
1-12
Chapter 2
Issues and Opportunities
The issues and opportunities element summarize the issues, concerns, opportunities, and future visions for
the Town of Koshkonong that were expressed at the public input meetings and focus groups.
The pattern of land use in Town of Koshkonong is influenced by several factors. The Town is located
adjacent to the City of Fort Atkinson and the City periodically expands its boundaries by annexing land
from the Town, removing tax base and increasing residential, commercial, and industrial development in
the area.
The STH 26 Fort Atkinson by-pass expansion and the proposed US Hwy 12 by-pass remove land from
the tax base and disconnect contiguous land parcels and roads, making it harder to get around the Town
and separating neighbors and farm fields. Faster transportation routes may make the Town more
desirable for residential or commercial development.
High quality natural and cultural resources may also be
affected by road construction and construction site run-off.
Lake Koshkonong, nestled in a landscape formed by glaciers,
is the dominant natural feature in the Town. The lake attracts
visitors and local residents to cottages and campgrounds and
water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and observing
nature. Allen Creek is the only state-designated “Exceptional
Resource Water” in Jefferson County and the least darter, a
small endangered fish species, has recently been confirmed in
the creek. Native prairies, fens, and wetlands can still be
found in the watershed and are being restored at
Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park.
Lake Koshkonong
Much of the land in the Town is in agricultural production today with dairy, beef, corn, soybeans, wheat,
oats, and hay commonly produced. Orchards, horse farms, and perennial and native plant nurseries add to
the mix.
Participants in visioning sessions indicated that they want the Town to remain rural with open spaces and
natural areas. Farmers indicated that they want to continue farming without conflicts with neighbors and
would like to retain as much prime agricultural land for farming as possible but they would also like to be
able to realize the equity they have in rural residential lots that are allowed under Jefferson County
zoning. Making decisions about accommodating or redirecting expected population growth is a primary
issue for the Town.
This comprehensive land use plan is designed to balance land uses the Town of Koshkonong and provide
information and guidance to the Town Board and Planning Commission when considering re-zoning
requests, updating ordinances, and instituting programs.
2-1
2.1
Land Use Issues and Opportunities
The Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan describes a land use vision for the next twenty
years and beyond. Citizens attending the visioning and public involvement meetings brought up
numerous land use issues and opportunities to be addressed in the plan.

Annexation of land by the City of Fort Atkinson and potentially the City of Whitewater and how that
impacts the Town of Koshkonong.

Maintaining a sharp boundary between urban and suburban land uses and the rural landscape.

Minimizing fragmentation of natural areas, woodlands,
and farmland by development and road construction.

Planning for the potential in-fill residential areas near
Koshkonong Mounds Golf Course and Lake
Koshkonong.

Planning for the potential development of existing R-2
(Residential Unsewered) zoning areas.

Planning for potential commercial development.

Reducing the impact of construction practices and
increased impervious surfaces on drainage patterns, rain water infiltration, and the water quality of
Lake Koshkonong, streams, rivers, and wetlands.

Managing the impact of WisDOT road construction and by-pass projects on land use, development,
working farms, rare natural areas, water quality, community connectedness, Town finances, and the
ability of the Town and private landowners to plan for the future.

Balancing natural resource-based recreation with conservation and protection of those natural
resources.

Balancing access to recreational and tourist destinations with the rights of local residents and farmers.

Planning for bike and pedestrian trails and connections to the Glacial River Trail.

Maintaining a robust agricultural economy in the Town of Koshkonong and Jefferson County.

Planning for large-scale farming operations.

Planning for the impact of large farm and construction equipment on the condition of Town roads.

Continuing to providing a high standard of services to the residents of the Town of Koshkonong in a
fiscally responsible manner.

Enforcement of Town ordinances and rules in a fiscally responsible manner.
2-2
The Town’s proximity to Fort Atkinson and
Lake Koshkonong is attractive to new residents.
2.2
Comprehensive Land Use Plan Vision
Goals, objectives, policies, and recommendations were developed for each of the planning elements in
order to address the land use issues mentioned at the visioning meetings and to enhance the Town’s
distinctive features. Specific goals, objectives, and policies for each of the elements are given in the
corresponding chapters.
Goals describe the future state of the Town in the twenty year planning context.
Objectives are actions that the Town of Koshkonong will pursue to accomplish the community
goals and vision.
Policies are the adopted ordinances, regulations, plans, and projects that enable the Town to reach
the twenty year objectives and ultimately its goals.
Four overall visions for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan emerged through the public visioning process.
Reaching for these visions will enhance the distinctive rural character of the Town and improve the
quality of life of those who live, work, and visit the Town of Koshkonong. All of the elements in the
comprehensive land use plan take into consideration each of these four vision statements.
Town of Koshkonong Land Use Plan Vision

Retain the Town of Koshkonong’s rural character and sense of community by sustaining the
pattern of residential development, working farms, and important natural resource areas and
maintaining a sharp distinction between urban/suburban and rural landscapes.

Protect and ensure the quality of unique natural resources such as Allen Creek (a State
Exceptional Resource Water), the Bark and Rock Rivers, Lake Koshkonong, wetlands,
prairies, woodlands, and other critical natural resources such as ground water, aggregate,
and productive agricultural soils.

Work cooperatively with neighboring municipalities on land use and economic issues for
mutual benefit.

Enhance community pride and connectedness while respecting private property rights.
2-3
Chapter 3 History, Culture, Town Government,
Infrastructure, and Utilities
3.1
Town of Koshkonong History and Culture
Much of the history of the Town of Koshkonong has been documented by Hannah Swart in her book
“Koshkonong Country”. Her husband George’s family arrived in Koshkonong in the 1840’s. Mrs. Swart
was the curator the Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson.
Lake Koshkonong, the Rock and Bark Rivers, the rich soils, and proximity to Milwaukee, Madison and
Chicago influenced the history and heritage of the area and created the “place” of Koshkonong.
Native Americans and Early Settlers
The Town of Koshkonong is known for the concentration of
Native American conical mounds and effigy mounds in the
shape of animals. Over 450 mounds grace the shores of Lake
Koshkonong and the surrounding countryside.
Archaeologists estimate that the mounds were constructed
between 800 BC and 1200 AD.1
The Jefferson County Indian Mounds and Trail Park on
Koshkonong Mounds Road preserves the southern part of the
General Atkinson Mound Group, which originally consisted
of 72 mounds. An Indian trail, documented by a surveyor in
1835, is also preserved in the park.
Indian Mounds Park
Many mounds, particularly conical mounds, are burial sites
and are protected from destruction by the Wisconsin Burial Sites Law, which also exempts mounds from
property tax. Excavations in Koshkonong could unearth artifacts. Construction should stop at that point
and the State Burial Sites Office contacted for a determination.
In the Town of Koshkonong there are 148 records in the Wisconsin Archaeological Inventory.
Unfortunately many mounds have been destroyed over the years. Hugh Highsmith, an amateur
archaeologist, wrote the book The Mounds of Koshkonong and Rock River that identifies most of the
mounds in the area. 2 The major Indian Mound groups located in the Town are listed below:
 Hoard Mound Group at the end of Koshkonong Mounds Road has a minimum of 39 mounds.
 General Atkinson Mound Group is located on both sides of Vinnie Ha Ha Road and includes
Jefferson County’s Indian Mounds Park. Remnants of 91 original mounds and the Indian trail
have been identified there, the largest mound group in the county. The Indian Mounds were built
on top of a habitation area. Eleven mounds effigy and conical mounds have been preserved at the
park and a management plan is being followed to prevent destruction of the mounds by invasive
trees.
 Bingham’s Point was once an Indian village and a set of conical hills has been identified there.
 A multi –component Indian village that was occupied by up to 5 cultures was located on the
Highsmith land along the Rock River north of State Hwy 106. This site is on the National
Register of Historic Places.
 The Brounty Mound is a linear mound at NW1/4, NW1/4, SW1/4 of Section 31
3-1
History, Culture, Town Government,
Infrastructure and Utilities

The Weckler Mound Group, a group of effigy and linear mounds at SE1/4, NW1/2, NW1/4
Section 31
The Blackhawk War of 1832 permanently drove Chief Blackhawk and the Sauk and Fox tribes out of the
Rock River valley and out of Wisconsin. A young Abraham Lincoln served at Fort Atkinson during the
war. Three years later the first settlers arrived to stake claims in places that appeared to be good mill sites
along the Bark and Rock Rivers.3 Dwight Foster built the first home in Koshkonong in 1836. The
settlement of Fort Atkinson grew into a thriving community on the direct routes from Janesville to
Watertown and Whitewater to Madison. In 1842 the settlement was organized as the Township of
Koshkonong. The village of Fort Atkinson was organized in 1860 and became a city in 1878.
Duck Hunting on Lake Koshkonong
The Winnebago word Koshkonong meant “lake we live on”. Lake Koshkonong was a 10,000-acre marsh
before the dam at Indianford was built in 1850. 4 The shallow lake and vast beds of wild rice and celery
attracted waterfowl by the thousands. From the mid to late 1800’s Lake Koshkonong was a mecca for
local duck hunters and sportsmen from the East Coast. Several hunting lodges were built in the Town of
Koshkonong to serve hunters and fishermen, including famous military and political figures that came to
the “Chesapeake of the West”.
The Binghams of Bingham’s Point were boat builders, hunting guides, and leading market hunters
shipping duck to high class restaurants in Chicago and the East Coast. Hunting guests at their farm
included Civil War Generals Sheridan and Logan. Duck hunters arrived at the Koshkonong Station by
train from the East Coast. Ira Bingham and Duane Starin of Fort Atkinson built the Koshkonong sneak
boat that received national recognition for its stealth and resulted in legislation (that stands today) banning
shooting ducks from boats in open waters.
Koshkonong Place was the first resort hotel on Lake Koshkonong, built in 1870. After several
subsequent owners, Arthur Hoard, son of Governor William D. Hoard, purchased the hotel in 1898 and
renamed it the Hoard Hotel. The waterfowl population was declining even then. The Janesville Electric
Company built a new, higher dam in 1917 that raised the water to a level at which the marsh plants could
not survive. With no food source, the ducks found other feeding grounds.
By 1920 Hoard was planning a golf course, which opened in 1924. In 1942 a group of local business and
professional people formed the Koshkonong Mounds Country Club and purchased the property. The old
Koshkonong Place hotel served for 103 years until it was replaced by the club house in 1973.
Dairy Farming and Agriculture
Agriculture flourished in Koshkonong and by the 1970’s this area had more dairy cattle per acre and
square mile than any area of comparable size in the United States.
W.D. Hoard began publishing Hoard’s Dairyman magazine in 1885. The historic and picturesque
Hoard’s Dairyman farm on Hwy 89 just to the north of Fort Atkinson has figured prominently in the
history of dairy farming in Wisconsin, if not in the world. Former Governor W.D. Hoard bought the farm
in 1899 to prove that alfalfa was a “practical and desirable forage crop for dairy cattle”. He is also known
as the father of dairy farming in Wisconsin. The milking heard at the farm is the oldest continuously
registered Guernsey cattle herd in the United States and the farm became a showcase for new technology
and a “vital source of credibility” for Hoard’s Dairyman Magazine. About 1500 visitors from throughout
the world visit the farm annually with many of them touring the Hoard Museum, Dairy Shrine, the
publishing plant, and the farm during World Dairy Expo held annually in early October in Madison.
3-2
Historical Sites and Architecture
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory provides
historical and archaeological data on buildings, structures, and
objects. This inventory has been compiled over the last 25 years
and is not a comprehensive list. The inventory is housed at the
Wisconsin State Historical Society in Madison
There are 20 records of historic structures in the Town of
Koshkonong, including Star School, at W5609 Star School Road
which serves as the Town Hall. This one room school house was
originally built in 1871 and an addition was built in 1958. It is a
cream brick, front gabled structure.
Former site of the Union Church.
A historical marker adjacent to N699 McIntyre Road shows the former location of a Baptist church that
stood on the spot from 1860 to 1890. Union Cemetery is located across the road from the marker.
Another marker on the southwest corner of Hwy K and McMillen Road is at the former location of the
Koshkonong Union Church, “which was jointly and harmoniously used by the Congregational and M.E.
Societies”.
3.2
Cultural Resource Opportunities, Goals, Objectives and Strategies
Opportunities to enhance cultural resources the emerged during public discussions were:





Promote understanding of historic areas and features.
Recognize Lake Koshkonong as the Town focal point.
Build on the communities neighborliness, respect for families, and community
organizations.
Instill “community pride” in residents.
Encourage Town-sponsored annual/routine events to enhance community spirit and
common interest.
Goals
1. Culturally and historically significant buildings, sites, landscapes, and geological elements that
reflect the Town’s unique history and distinctive character; such as Indian Mounds, one-room
schoolhouses, churches, cemeteries, historic farm structures, glacial features, water bodies, and
rustic roads are important to the residents of the Town of Koshkonong, local culture, and the
history of Wisconsin and should be protected and respected.
2. Town residents have a sense of community pride and togetherness.
Objective
The Town of Koshkonong maintains an inventory of historic and cultural sites and unique and rare
physical features that contribute to the Town’s character and supports efforts to preserve those
sites. The inventory and associated stories are shared with the community.
Historic Preservation Strategies
1. Enlist volunteers to create a written and photographic inventory of historic and archaeological
sites and to share the inventory information with the community.
2. Adopt a plan to maintain the historic South Koshkonong Union Cemetery.
3-3
3. Make information on cost-sharing programs and organizations for rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic and unique structures available at the Town Hall.
4. The Mounds of Koshkonong are known world-wide and a defining feature of the area. Protect
and preserve Native American and archaeological artifacts found on Town-owned lands and
educate private landowners to do the same. Connect with the Native American Tribes and
Nations, the Wisconsin Historical Society and Burial Sites Office, and archaeological experts on
the proper care and education on these historic cultural and spiritual sites and have the
information available at the Town Hall.
5. Indian Mounds are considered cemeteries and are not to be disturbed. Provide information at the
Town Hall on the Wisconsin Historical Society Burial Sites Office and laws concerning Indian
Mounds for residents who may have or find mounds or artifacts on their property.
6. The Jefferson County Historical Sites Commission is a source of information for historic and
cultural activities.
Objective
Create a sense of community pride and identity.
Community Pride and Identity Strategies
1. Keep the Town website up to date with Town meetings and events.
2. The Town or community organizations sponsor annual/routine events to enhance community
spirit and common interest.
3. Continue community work days at Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park.
3.3
Infrastructure, Community Facilities and Utility Goals, Objectives,
and Policies
Community Facility and Utility Issues identified at Public Visioning Sessions:
 Impact of large trucks and farm equipment on Town road surfaces.
 Damage to Town roads by pipeline construction.
 Lack of Town-wide high speed or wireless internet.
 Emergency response to residences and businesses along STH 26 with limited access.
 Appearance of telecommunication towers on every hill.
 Potential for alternative energy sources such as pivate wind turbines, solar panels, woodburning
stoves.
 Potential for large-scale wind farms in the Town.
 History of proposals for a nuclear generator and construction of landfills in the Town.
Goals
1. The Town provides or partners to provide high quality services such as road maintenance,
emergency services, parks and trails, and lake and river access to residents and property owners
in a cost efficient manner.
2. The integrity of scenic rural character, continuity of environmental corridors, natural areas,
agricultural land, Town roads, and private property are considered and protected when siting
utilities, facilities, and billboards in the Town of Koshkonong.
3-4
Objective
The Town of Koshkonong Public Works Department has the resources to efficiently maintain Town
roads, Town access points to Lake Koshkonong, Town-owned land and parks, the Town Hall, and
other Town infrastructure efficiently and in good condition.
Town Service Strategies
1. Plan to expand the capacity of the Town Public Works Department as needed to maintain and
improve Town infrastructure.
2. To maximize efficient road and street maintenance patterns strive for cluster development and
safe through streets in new residential and commercial areas and avoid cul-de-sac and
hammerhead road configurations and new road construction in flood-prone areas.
3. Improve the access to Lake Koshkonong from South Oxbow Bend as a cold weather staging and
winter rescue point.
4. Consider negotiated boundary agreements with the City of Fort Atkinson and City of Whitewater
for revenue sharing to provide for increased Town road services adjacent to newly annexed areas.
5. Negotiate cost effective agreements for services such as solid waste removal and snowplowing.
6. Conduct a stringent annual budget review.
Objective
Partner with other agencies and jurisdictions for emergency and community services and facilities
to provide Town residents with the services they need and deserve.
Emergency Management and Services Strategies
1. Establish and maintain strong partnerships and open communication with police, fire, rescue
services, and emergency service providers.
2. Coordinate weather-related and disaster emergency response with the Jefferson County
Emergency Management Department, which coordinates with other agencies such as the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
3. Support the Rock River Safety Patrol financially and with policy.
4. Work with WisDOT and the Fort Atkinson Fire Department to maintain access from STH 26 and
any other road construction projects to Town roads for fast emergency response.
Community Services Strategies
1. Participate to the extent possible in supporting and improving City services used by Town
residents such as the library, schools, ball fields and recreation facilities, lake access, and boat
ramps.
2. Participate to the extent possible in supporting and improving County services used by Town
residents such as the Sheriffs Department, Health and Human Services, Emergency Management,
Economic Development, Workforce Development, Land and Water Conservation, the Clean
Sweep Program, UW-Extension, and Countryside Home.
3. Provide residents with information on public-assisted taxi and van service transportation for
seniors, the disabled, and those who do not drive.
4. Provide residents with information on local recreational and educational programs for youth and
adults.
5. Support initiatives to bring high speed wireless internet to all of Jefferson County.
Objective
Enact policies and guidelines for utility construction that protect Town infrastructure, scenic rural
character, natural areas, agricultural land, continuity of environmental corridors, and private
property.
3-5
Strategies for Careful Utility Construction – Public and Private
1. Map the locations of pipelines, electric transmission lines, and other utilities in the Town of
Koshkonong.
2. Strive to site new utilities along already existing utility and road corridors to minimize
disturbance to residents, natural areas, and agricultural land.
3. Require utility corridors and utility construction to provide environmental impact assessments
and to avoid impacts on natural resources, farmland, and parks.
4. Request WisDOT and utility construction contractors to maintain drainage and the soil profile of
farm fields during road or utility design and construction.
5. Require contractors to repair damage to Town roads and right-of-ways when building utility lines.
6. Follow Jefferson County Ordinances or enact Town ordinances for siting of transmission lines,
wireless telecommunications towers, billboards, wind turbines and other types of utilities.
7. Develop guidelines and ordinances specific to the Town of Koshkonong for the siting of private
solar panels, wood burners, wind and telecommunications towers, geothermal tubes and other
“green” energy generating devices if warranted.
8. Review, update, or enact Town ordinances and permit requirements for landfills, power plants,
and commercial wind farms and consider the impact of such utilities on agriculture and
residential areas.
9. Protect unique viewsheds from overhead utility lines and obstructions.
3.4
Town of Koshkonong Governance and Community Facilities
The Town of Koshkonong provides many services for its residents and contracts with others when it is
more efficient. Among the services supplied by the Town in 2009 are snow plowing, road maintenance,
upkeep of Union Cemetery, and Town Hall hours. The Town has full time maintenance positions. Two
buildings are located at the Town Hall to hold equipment,
salt, and sand.
Town residents can find most services and activities in
the City of Fort Atkinson and City of Whitewater, such
as schools, libraries, shopping, and health care. The
Cities of Janesville and Milton are also within 20 miles.
The Town of Koshkonong has service agreements with
adjoining communities for fire and emergency services as
well as coverage by the Jefferson County Sheriffs
Department. The Town is covered by Jefferson County
ordinances on solid waste disposal, air quality, shoreline
The former Star School is now the Town Hall.
provisions, animal waste and nutrient storage, wireless
communications towers, and bill boards. Non-point
source pollution rules are under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Government
The Koshkonong Town Board is comprised of four elected Supervisors and one Chairperson. Monthly
meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of every month. An appointed Clerk and Treasurer assist the Board.
An appointed seven-person Planning Commission meets the first Wednesday of the month to consider
land use and zoning issues and make recommendations to the Board.
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The Board of Review is comprised of the Town Board members, the Assessor, and the Clerk. A
minimum of five people must be present at the board of review including one person who has attended
training.
The Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park Planning Committee meets the third Thursday of the month.
The Koshkonong Town Hall is located in the historic Star School at W5609 Star School Road at the
corner of US Hwy 12. All Town Boards and Commissions meet at the Town Hall and the building can be
rented by adult Town of Koshkonong residents. One equipment shed and one salt shed are located at the
Town Hall located at W5609 Star School Road and residents may obtain sand there. The Town maintains
Town roads, lake access points, and parks.
Unincorporated areas of Jefferson County fall under County government rules in addition to Town
government. Jefferson County’s Board of Supervisors consists of thirty elected members, each
representing one District. Districts include the incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas of
the County. The Town of Koshkonong includes parts of three districts: Ward 1 of District 23, Wards 2,
3, and 4 of District 25; and Ward 5 of District 30.
Jefferson County services include the Sheriffs Department, Courts, Highway Department, Health and
Human Services, Countryside Home, UW-Extension, County Fair, Parks, Emergency Management,
Economic Development Consortium, Land Information, Surveyor, Land and Water Conservation,
Veteran’s Services, and the Zoning and Sanitation Department. The Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance
and the Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan apply to the unincorporated areas
of the County, including the Town of Koshkonong.
Figure 3.1
3-7
Town residents use the many services available in the nearby cities of Fort Atkinson, Whitewater, and
Janesville. The Town has municipal aid agreements with adjacent municipalities for emergency services.
Many of the public services available to residents of the Town of Koshknong are mapped in Figure 3.1
Police Protection
The Jefferson County Sheriffs Department provides police protection to the Town as well as specialized
services and equipment such as the detective division, dive team, SWAT team, MAIT (Major Accident
Investigation), a gang unit, and a K-9 unit. City of Fort Atkinson police also provide emergency response
in certain instances.
WDNR wardens provide enforcement on DNR lands and Lake Koshkonong. The Lake and Rock River
are patrolled by the Rock River Safety Patrol on summer weekends, which is a joint effort of the Towns
of Milton, Fulton, Albion, Sumner, Koshkonong and the WDNR. The patrol is on call 24 hours day but
typically patrols the waterways one or two days a week.
Fire and Emergency Service Protection
Three fire and EMS protection
Figure 3.2 Fire Districts
districts serve the Town of
Koshkonong see Figure 3.2. The
Town has a mutual aid contract
with the Fort Atkinson Fire
Department, which is the primary
Fire Protection and Emergency
Service provider. Fort Atkinson
(agreement re-negotiated every 5
years) serves most of the Town
except the far southeastern corner,
which is served by the Whitewater
Fire District; and Bingham’s Point
and Charley Bluff Road, which are
served by the Milton Fire District.
The City of Fort Atkinson Fire
Department utilizes Ryan Brothers
Ambulance for EMS services and
the Town contracts with the City of
Fort Atkinson for ambulance
service. The Whitewater and
Milton Fire Departments provide
EMS for their districts.
The Town has coverage from the Hazardous Materials Response Teams (Hazmat) in Racine through the
Fort Atkinson Fire Department for incidents involving hazardous materials spills, leaks, explosion, injury
or the potential of immediate threat to life, the environment, or property.
Roads
The Town of Koshkonong maintains and plows Town roads. Efficient and cost effective maintenance
and snow removal are paramount to the Town since road expenses are the largest part of the Town’s
budget. Increasingly larger trucks and farm equipment are causing damage to narrow town roads, as is
utility construction. Utility contractors have been fined for failing to repair road damage. Snowplowing
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cul-du-sacs is lowering efficiency of Town equipment. The Town wants to develop a policy for use of
Town roads by heavy equipment that is fair to farmers, contractors, and Town residents. Roads are
covered in more detail in Chapter 6 Transportation.
Schools
The Town of Koshkonong is
in three school districts, Fort
Atkinson, Milton, and
Whitewater, see Figure 3.3
Students may also apply to
attend the school of their
choice outside of their home
district and may choose to
attend private schools in the
area.
Figure 3.3 School Districts
In the Fort Atkinson School
District elementary students
from the Town of
Koshkonong attend Luther
Elementary or Purdy
Elementary. In the
Whitewater District
elementary students from
Koshkonong attend Lincoln
Elementary and in the Milton
School District they most
likely attend West Elementary but may attend other elementary schools with specialized programs. Faith
Community Christian School on Hackbarth Road is the only school that is located in the Town of
Koshkonong.
In addition, Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills serves a wide area and runs school buses
throughout Jefferson, Dodge, and Dane Counties.
School enrollment trends show slight increases over the last seven years in the Fort Atkinson School
District, with a 3.1 percent increase (Table 3.4). The Milton School District had a 13.2 percent increase.
The Whitewater School District shows a decrease in enrollment of 4.3 percent over the same time period;
however the decline reversed in 2007 and 2008 and showed an increase of 34 pupils.
Table 3.4 September Pupil Count 5
School District 2002 2003 2004
Fort Atkinson
2645 2641 2633
Whitewater
2109 2092 2051
Milton
2931 2941 2953
2005
2686
1989
3028
2006
2710
1934
3124
2007
2683
1968
3210
2008 Percent Change 2002-2008
2727
3.1%
2013
-4.6%
3319
13.2%
Statewide, 68 percent of rural districts have decreasing enrollment figures. The Fort Atkinson and
Whitewater School Districts are categorized as rural districts by the Wisconsin Department of Public
Instruction. 62 percent of suburban districts have increasing enrollment figures; Milton is categorized as
a suburban district.
3-9
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in four colleges:
College of Business and Economics, College of Letters and Sciences, College of Education and the
College of Arts and Communication. The University has a well-known business outreach and Wisconsin
Innovation Service Center. Founded in 1848, UW-Whitewater has an enrollment of 10,700 students.
Madison Area Technical College (MATC) is the technical and community college for the greater
Madison area. Five campuses provide high quality instruction and technical experience to meet the needs
of its students, community and area employers. MATC’s regional campuses are located in the
communities of Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg and Watertown. The Fort Atkinson campus has an
enrollment of 2,451.
Library
The Dwight Foster Public Library is located in downtown Fort Atkinson at 102 East Milwaukee Street.
The library contains 75,000 books, 2,000 books on tape, 2,000 videos, and hundreds of music compact
discs. The library has public Internet access at eight computers as well as facilities for word processing,
desktop publishing and educational games. It subscribes to over 260 monthly publications and maintains a
variety of printing, scanning, faxing and copying machines for public use.
Post Office
The US Post Office is located in downtown Fort Atkinson at 24 Milwaukee Avenue.
Community Service Organizations
The City of Fort Atkinson provides a First Call for Help crisis
line and the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry. There are over 80
clubs and organizations in Fort Atkinson and 20 churches.
Boat Launches
The Town of Koshkonong provides three public Lake
Koshkonong access points on Vinnie Ha Ha Road and two
access points on Bingham’s Point and this Plan recommends
marking those access points.
The WDNR boat launch on Groeler Road at the
STH 26 by-pass
The WDNR has a boat launch on Groeler Road at the Hwy 26
by-pass bridge in the Town of Koshkonong. Two boat
launches are available in Fort Atkinson on at the public parking lot on North Water Street West and at the
intersection of Hwy K and Hwy 26 on the north side of Fort Atkinson.
Parks
Parks are described in detail in the 2005 Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Park and Outdoor
Recreation Plan. Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park (52 acres) is the centerpiece of a parks initiative by the Town of
Koshkonong. The park provides a variety of wildlife habitat including two natural ponds, an oak
woodland, wetlands, and acres of prairie plantings. Hiking and bird watching are the two primary
activities. The Town also has several small, fairly undeveloped parks in subdivisions including Bramble
Bush Park (0.50 acres) adjacent to Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park, Briarwood Village Park (6.54 acres),
Woodlawn Park (2.26 acres), and a wooded parcel (0.33 acres) on Bingham’s Point.
Jefferson County and the City of Fort Atkinson have completed the Glacial River Trail from Fort
Atkinson to the Rock County Line. This paved trail is used for walking and biking. New roads in
subdivisions in the Town of Koshkonong are built with bike lanes in mind. Currently Aspen Drive,
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Maxwell Way, and Apple Way are designated bike routes in subdivisions and Rock River Road is a Town
road with bike lanes. Jefferson County also has designated bike routes in the Town of Koshkonong.
The City of Fort Atkinson offers active recreation facilities and organized activities for youth and adults
such as baseball, softball, football, kickball, karate, golf, tennis, and the Fort Atkinson Family Aquatic
Center. Fort Health offers exercise and wellness classes to all of Jefferson County. The Fort Youth
Center provides activities for grades 6-8 at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building.
Churches and Cemeteries
Twenty places of worship of many different faiths are available in the Fort Atkinson Area. The Faith
Community Church is located in the Town of Koshkonong at W5949 Hackbarth Road. The church also
houses the Faith Community Christian School for grades K-8. Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witness is
located at W6185 Hackbarth Road.
Union Cemetery, sometimes known as South Koshkonong Cemetery is located on McIntyre Road directly
across the road from a historical marker that marks the location of a Baptist Church between 1860 and
1890. The Town of Koshkonong took over responsibility for the cemetery in 2008. Another historical
marker at the former Union Church is located on the southwest corner of McMillen Road and Hwy K.
Health
Local hospitals are located in Fort Atkinson, Janesville, and Watertown. Specialized and general clinics
are available in Fort Atkinson, Whitewater, and Milton and throughout Jefferson County.
Fort Atkinson Health Care has clinics in 17 specialties in Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Edgerton,
Elkhorn, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills and Whitewater.
Fort Memorial Hospital is a modern, fully accredited, acute and subacute-care facility with 110
beds. More than 100 physicians are on staff. Fort Medical Group, a subsidiary of Fort
HealthCare, employs more than 25 physicians and nurse practitioners. Satellite clinics offering
primary and specialty care are located in Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Johnson Creek, Jefferson,
Whitewater, Koshkonong and Palmyra. Other services offered by Fort HealthCare include
occupational medicine, rehabilitation and sports medicine, home health care, and urgent care
services.
Several hospitals are located in Madison, about 35 miles west of the Town of Koshkonong
including St. Mary’s, Meriter, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, and the William F.
Middleton Memorial Veteran’s Administration Hospital. Madison hospitals offer all levels of
care, specialists, Flight for Life, and trauma units.
Mercy Health Systems
Mercy Health Systems provides Mercy Hospital, five clinics, a regional plastic surgery center and
a general surgery center in Janesville. Clincis are also located in Whitewater, Milton, Edgerton,
and Evansville. The Mercy Fitness and Aquatic Center is located at Whitewater High School.
Johnson Creek Cancer Clinic opened in 2005 and is a unique partnership between
FortHealthCare, Watertown Memorial Hospital, and UW Health. The Clinic provides medical
and radiation oncology specialists who provide cancer care, including chemotherapy and access
to clinical trials. The center also features support groups, educational programs and
complementary medicine.
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Jefferson County Health Department is located at N2995 Annex Road in Jefferson and offers
free and low cost non-emergency health services to all residents of Jefferson County. Health
programs include the Rock River Free Clinic, immunizations, personal in-home long-term care
and support, public health care, education, drug and mental health counseling, and health
consultation.
Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
Assisted living and nursing homes are available to Town of Koshkonong residents in the City of
Fort Atkinson and throughout Jefferson County.
 Blackhawk Senior Residence
 Supportive Living
 Homes for Independent Living
 Wellington Place has 19 units and provides general assistance with daily living.
 Wellington Meadows has 24 single floor suites and provides general assistance with daily
living.
 Fort Atkinson Sub-Acute Care Center provides skilled nursing care.
 Fort Health and Rehabilitation Center provides skilled nursing care.
 Fairhaven in Whitewater provides retirement apartment, assisted living units, and skilled
nursing care.
 Countryside Nursing Home, Jefferson, is a Jefferson County agency that provides
rehabilitation, short-term respite care, skilled nursing, and long-term care or terminal
care. Countryside Home has a capacity of 120 residents.
Daycare and childcare
Daycare and childcare are available in the City of Fort Atkinson at private facilities and churches.
Radio Station
The WFAW-AM940 and WSJY-FM107.3 radio station is located on Eastern Avenue in the Town of
Koshkonong. WFAW broadcasts local news and emergency information. The transmitters for the station
are located in Section 8, Town of Cold Spring.
Newspapers
The Daily Jefferson County Union, published in Fort Atkinson, is the Town’s paper of record and prints
all official notices. Other area papers that cover the Town of Koshkonong are the Whitewater Register
and the Janesville Gazette.
3.5
Utilities in the Town of Koshkonong
Sanitary Sewer
Residents of the Town of Koshkonong have private on-site sewage disposal systems. The Jefferson
County Private Sewage System Ordinance Chapter 12 includes new private sewage system rules as a
result of Comm 83 and describes the proper siting, design, installation, management, and inspection of
private sewage systems. The Town of Koshkonong Land Division and Subdivision Code Article F,
Section 14-1-56 lists Sanitary Sewerage System requirements.
The City of Fort Atkinson sanitary sewer and water lines run south along US Hwy 12 to Hwy K to service
city residents and businesses along US Hwy 12 and the adjacent subdivisions. The parcels of land along
US Hwy 12 that are in the Town of Koshkonong are not hooked up to the services provided by the city.
3-12
Other scattered parcels under Town jurisdiction on the west side of Fort Atkinson south of US Hwy 12
also do not receive city services.
The Town of Koshkonong Sanitary District is designated along the east shore of Lake Koshkonong in the
residential areas west of Hwy 26. The district is now dormant with no infrastructure and no plans to
install municipal sewer service. The Sanitary District is considered a Limited Urban Service Area by
Jefferson County and is a potential infill area.
Solid Waste Disposal
The Town of Koshkonong contracts with Veolia Environmental Services of Fort Atkinson for solid waste
and recycling pick-up. Residents are billed on their property tax bills for the service. Yard waste and
leaves may be deposited at the compost site in Fort Atkinson.
All landfills in the Town of Koshkonong are closed. Polluted ground water from one site is concern for
new wells in the area. The Town has a permit fee for new landfill application.
Landfill Sites
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource lists active, inactive, and abandoned sites
where solid or hazardous wastes were known, or likely to have been disposed. 6 The following
solid waste disposal sites in the Town of Koshkonong are listed in the Registry and all have been
closed:
City of Fort Atkinson
Sanitary Transfer and Landfill
Valley Sanitation/Superior Valley Meadows
Superior Valley Meadows Landfill Expansion
NW SE Section 10 T5N R14E
NW SE Section 31 T5N R14E
NE Section 35 T5N R14E
NE Section 35 T5N R14E
Jefferson County Solid Waste and Air Quality
The Jefferson County Solid Waste/Air Quality Committee addresses solid waste needs by
operating hazardous waste removal programs, overseeing the County's interests in landfill siting
processes, and promoting recycling and related waste reduction efforts. The County conducts
Clean Sweep events where residents can dispose of hazardous substances.
Jefferson County is on the verge of being designated an Ozone Nonattainment Zone. This means
that during several days each year high concentrations of ground-level ozone are detected in the
air, which can be extremely unhealthy to breathe, especially for people who already have
respiratory problems. The Jefferson County Air Quality Task Force is promoting voluntary air
pollution reduction to maintain or lower ozone levels. Ozone alerts and clean air alerts are or will
be issued by Jefferson County Emergency Management.
Trash burning barrels and use of woodstoves are becoming air quality issues. Jefferson County
has a Public Health Hazard and Public Nuisance Ordinance that addresses air quality and several
educational brochures available concerning burn barrels and wood stoves.
Public Water Supply
Residents and businesses have private wells as a water source. All drinking water in the Rock River
Basin is pumped from underground aquifers. It is therefore important to protect the quality of
groundwater and surface water in the Town of Koshkonong.
3-13
The United States Geological Survey has developed the GFLOW computer model that will simulate the
interaction of ground and surface water in the Rock River Basin and quantify the flow of water through
the system. By using this model, planners and municipalities will be able to predict the flow of
contaminants and the impact well construction and changes in land use.
Water Quality
Storm water run-off into Lake Koshkonong, streams and rivers carries nutrients, sediment, and pollution
that can have a negative impact on water quality. The Town of Koshkonong Land Division and
Subdivision Code Article F, Section 14-1-58 describes required Storm Water Drainage Facilities and
Section 14-1-61 describes Erosion Control requirements.
Rock-Koshkonong Lake Improvement District
The Rock-Koshkonong Lake Improvement District was formed in 1999 “to better manage the
resources of the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong” and “to maintain, protect, and improve the
quality of Lake Koshkonong and its watershed”. The Rock-Koshkonong Lake District boundary
starts at the Indianford Dam on the Rock River, includes Lake Koshkonong, and continues north
to the Jefferson City limits. A special property tax assessment within the district funds the Lake
District. The Rock-Koshkonong Lake District took over ownership of the Indianford Dam in
2004. Rock County is making payments to the District for dam upkeep. 7
The Rock-Koshkonong Lake District (RKLD) is an elected, local unit of government formed
under Chapter 33 of the WI State Statutes. Board meetings are held monthly and are open to the
public. The board consists of seven members, five that are elected and two that are appointed one by the Town of Fulton, and one by Rock County.
Nonpoint Source Rules
Wisconsin’s Nonpoint Source Administrative Rules went into effect October 1, 2002. Eight rules
address the control of polluted runoff from urban and rural land use activities:
Jefferson County Animal Waste and Nutrient Storage Ordinance
This ordinance applies to all unincorporated areas of Jefferson County. The purpose of
the ordinance is “to regulate the (a) location, design, construction, and use of all new
animal waste storage facilities, (b) modification or closure of all storage facilities, (c)
transfer of wastes into storage facilities, and (d) utilization of wastes from storage
facilities in order to prevent water pollution, and thereby protect the health and safety of
residents and transients, prevent the spread of disease, and promote the prosperity and
general welfare of the citizens of Jefferson County. It also is intended to provide for the
administration and enforcement of the ordinance and to provide penalties for its
violation.” It pertains to all landowners in Jefferson County who build, alter, or close
manure storage. A permit is required to ensure that all applicable standards are followed
when building, altering, or closing manure storage. Along with the permit application, an
applicant is required to submit construction plans and a nutrient management plan.
Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance No. 11, Section 11.01 Shoreline Provisions
regulate land use and development within 1000 ft. of the ordinary high water mark of
navigable lakes, ponds and flowages and 300 ft of the ordinary high water mark of rivers
or streams or the landward side of floodplains, whichever distance is greater.
3-14
Electric Power
Electric power is provided to the Town by WE Energies, which has a service center in Fort Atkinson.
Wind farms to generate electricity are being constructed around Wisconsin and two turbines are under
construction at the Fort Atkinson Campus of MATC. Large wind farms have been controversial and the
Town would like to take a pro-active stance on their construction in the Town.
Current interest in “green” energy may lead to requests for private wind generators, solar panels, and
other alternative form of energy. Public input ranged from the desire to promote alternative energy
sources with streamlined permit applications to concern about wind turbines and solar panels affecting
neighboring residences. The Town will consider adopting procedures and policies on the construction of
private energy sources.
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
Two wireless telecommunications towers are located in the Town of Koshkonong. One is located to the
south of Hoge Road and the other is on Hwy K at the Rock County line.
Billboards and Large Signs
Billboards are found along State Highway 26 and US Highway 12 in the Town of Koshkonong. The
Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance No. 11, Section 11.08 controls and regulates the installation of signs
and other advertising structures in Jefferson County.
1
Birmingham, Robert. 2000. Indian Mounds of Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin Press. Madison, WI.
Highsmith, Hugh. 1997. The Mounds of Koshkonong and Rock River. Fort Atkinson Historical Society,
Highsmith Press. Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.
3
Swart, Hannah. 1975. Koshonong Country. W.D. Hoard & Sons Co. Fort Atkinson, WI.
4
Lehmkuhl, Bob. Lake Koshkonong-Sesquehanna Flats 1870-1898 Searching for the Decoy Connection. Decoy
Magazine.
5
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Public Enrollment by District by School by Gender, third Friday in
September. http://dpi.wi.gov/lbstat/pubdata2.html
6
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Remediation and Redevelopment. Registry of Waste
Disposal Sites in Wisconsin. June 1999 Update. Publication RR-108.
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/archives/pubs/RR108.pdf
7
www.rkld.org
2
3-15
Chapter 4
4.1
Natural Resources and Recreation
Natural Resource and Recreation Issues
Natural resources abound in the Town of Koshkonong and
include Lake Koshkonong, Allen Creek –a State of Wisconsin
designated Exceptional Resource Water, the Rock and Bark
Rivers, a myriad of wetlands, marshes, native prairie, floodplain
forests, upland woods, productive soils and glacial features.
All of the drinking water in the Rock River Basin comes from
wells and the Town is rich in groundwater resources. Water
resources are in increasing demand from a growing population
in southeastern Wisconsin.
Allen Creek Wetlands
The Rock and Bark Rivers flooded extensively in 2008 and
commonly flood to some extent each spring. Heavy precipitation recently has also increased ground
water levels. Flooding is occurring in places where it has not been experienced in memory. Natural river
level fluctuations may be becoming more severe due to increased development and run-off in the basin as
well as heavy precipitation and snowmelt.
Soil quality is important for agricultural production. Prime soils for agriculture are found on 24,638 acres
or 77.8 percent of the land area in the Town of Koshkonong.
The Town of Koshkonong is in the glaciated part of Wisconsin and veins of gravel moved here by
glaciers over 10,000 years ago provide aggregate for construction projects. Hausz Brothers gravel
operation is one of several large pits in Jefferson County.
Recreation on Lake Koshkonong and the Rock River attracts residents and summer visitors. Koshkonong
Mounds Golf Course and Jellystone Campground are destinations. Jefferson County’s Glacial River Trail
runs along STH 26 and connects Rock County to Fort Atkinson with an expansion planned along the STH
26 reconstruction to Watertown and beyond.
Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park, a Town park, has attracted a group of devoted volunteers who are restoring pond,
wetland, prairie and savanna habitats. Residents of the Town appreciate the vast natural areas and want to
improve and preserve habitats and water quality.
Primary issues discussed during public input meetings:
 Maintaining ground and surface water quality and quantity.
 Reducing stormwater runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.
 Wave action and water levels on Lake Koshkonong.
 Increasing use of Lake Koshkonong for recreation.
 Maintaining and improving wetlands, prairies, woodlands, and natural areas.
 Connectivity for wildlife.
 Protecting prime soils for agriculture.
 Protection of finite resources.
 Creating a trail network.
 Natural resources and recreation attract people to the Town of Koshkonong.
4-1
Natural Resources & Recreation
The following goals, objectives and policies create a framework for protecting and enhancing the natural
resources that are so much a part of the Town of Koshkonong.
4.2
Natural Resource Protection and Recreation Goals, Objectives and
Strategies
Goals
1. Protect and connect high quality natural resource areas for scenic, ecological, and water quality
functions.
2. Protect and enhance stream, river, and lake corridors such as Lake Koshkonong, the Rock River,
Bark River, and Allen Creek by implementing buffers zones that provide storm water and runoff
infiltration and cleansing, wildlife corridors, natural areas, and/or low-impact recreation space.
3. Ground water levels are maintained and ground and surface water quality improves over the next
25 years.
4. Implement the recommendations for recreation and conservation in the Town of Koshkonong
Comprehensive Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan.
5. Support initiatives that provide for a variety of low-impact and nature-based recreational
opportunities for health and fitness.
Objective
Identify pristine, rare, or treasured natural resource areas and protect those areas. These may
include wetlands, woodlands, prairies and savannas, wildlife viewing areas, and vistas.
Natural Resource Protection Strategies
1. Work with volunteers and ecological organizations to document the location and character of
pristine, rare, or treasured natural resources and physical features in the Town of Koshkonong.
2. Partner with organizations, governmental agencies, and other jurisdictions to protect unique and
rare habitats.
3. Provide information at the Town Hall on federal, county, and local stream bank, wetland, buffer,
and environmental quality programs and incentives that can assist landowners.
4. Enact policies that request WisDOT and utilities to protect wetlands, unique lands, Allen Creek,
open space, high quality agricultural land, and current drainage patterns when constructing bypasses, roads, and utility lines.
5. Work with the City of Fort Atkinson to protect natural areas and Allen Creek within Klement
Industrial Park.
6. Work with the WDNR to establish a State Natural Area to protect Allen Creek – a State of
Wisconsin Exceptional Resource Water.
Objective
Groundwater resources, which supply all of our drinking water, are considered and protected when
making land use decisions.
Surface and Groundwater Protection and Improvement Strategies
1. Identify and protect groundwater infiltration and well-head areas and partner with water-based
organizations to educate rural residents on proper well-head protection, well maintenance and
well closure techniques.
2. Work with Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation and Zoning Departments to enforce
the Wisconsin’s Nonpoint Source Administrative Rules and the Shoreline Provisions of the
Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance.
4-2
3. Educate and require the building inspector to enforce the Town of Koshkonong Storm Water
Management Plan and erosion control regulations and practices.
4. Provide information on on stormwater infiltration and erosion control techniques such as rain
gardens, bioswales, native plant streambank buffers, rain barrels, and porous pavement to
landowners requesting building permits for residential or commercial construction.
5. Encourage the City of Fort Atkinson to reduce and improve the quality of storm water run-off that
enters the Rock and Bark Rivers, Allen Creek, and Lake Koshkonong.
6. Review the recommendations of the Jefferson County Land and Water Resource Plan 2006-2010
and enact the recommendations that are appropriate for the Town.
7. Enact the proposed County ban on phosphorous lawn fertilizer.
8. Support State and County septic tank and drainage field regulations and encourage proper septic
tank and drainage field maintenance.
Objective
The Town of Koshkonong provides parks and low-impact nature-based recreation opportunities.
Town residents and visitors have access to a range of recreational activities for enjoyment, health,
and fitness.
Recreation Strategies
1. Continue to implement the recommendations of the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Park
and Outdoor Recreation Plan
2. Partner with organizations and groups to increase public awareness of Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park,
historic sites, birding, hiking, nature study, photography, and other low impact use nature-based
recreational activities available in the Town of Koshkonong.
3. Mark Lake Koshkonong public access points in Vinnie Ha Ha and Bingham’s Point.
4. Develop trails connecting sub-divisions, parks, the Glacial River Trail, Lake Koshkonong, and
the Bark and Rock Rivers as described in the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Park and
Outdoor Recreation Plan.
5. Coordinate parks, trails, and active recreation with adjoining jurisdictions and provide
information on recreation available to Town residents at the Town Hall.
6. Work with the Jefferson County Parks Department and the City of Fort Atkinson to maintain and
improve the Glacial River Trail to the extent possible.
7. Participate in the Jefferson County Bicycleway/Pedestrianway Plan update.
8. Participate in the WDNR Glacial Heritage Area Initiative to the extent possible.
9. Request that the WDNR and the City of Fort Atkinson maintain and improve boat launches under
their jurisdiction.
10. Hunting is an important wildlife management technique and sporting activity in the Town of
Koshkonong.
11. Allow County snowmobile trails through the Town of Koshkonong and encourage the local
snowmobile clubs to maintain good landowner relationships and require proper trail etiquette.
12. Develop relationships with campgrounds, local tourist destinations, the Fort Atkinson Area
Chamber of Commerce, and the Jefferson County Tourism Board to promote recreation in the
Town of Koshhkonong.
4-3
4.3
Natural Resources
The following maps depict the natural resources and existing parks in the Town of Koshkonong. Natural
resources are also covered extensively in the Town of Koshkonong Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Geology
The most striking Jefferson County
landform feature is the Rock and
Crawfish River valley system that
flows into Lake Koshkonong in the
southwestern portion of the Town
of Koshkonong.
Figure 4.1
The valleys are part of a pre-glacial
stream system that cut through
Galena-Platteville dolomite, St.
Peter Sandstone, Prairie du Chien
dolomite, and the youngest
Cambrian sandstones. The soils in
Koshkonong were formed by
glacial activity, wind, and water and
were derived from glacial till,
outwash deposited by melt water;
lake-laid clay, silt and sand, and
accumulations of peat and
windblown silts. 1
Figure 4.1depicts elevations over 900 feet above sea level in the Town of Koshkonong. The orange areas
indicate glacially formed drumlins as oval hills and recessional moraines as large areas of high elevation.
Depressions between the drumlins can contain wetlands. Southern Koshkonong has moraine elevations
up to 980 feet. Areas of high elevation may have steep slopes and offer overlooks and picturesque
scenery. The steepest slopes may be wooded since the slopes were hard to farm.
Aggregate Mining
Gravel pits are common in Jefferson County in sandy and gravel areas. Some pits are used only for short
term projects that require a conditional use permit. The following long term operating pits are located in
the Town of Koshkonong:
 Jaeckel Brothers Excavating Kutz Road Pit
 Hausz Brothers, Inc. on County Road M
Environmental Corridors
The Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan (1999) defines environmental
corridors as any land that meets any of the following criteria:
 Public-owned park, recreation, and conservancy lands.
 Water bodies and wetlands mapped as part of the DNR Wetland Inventory.
 100-year Floodplains based on Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) maps.
 Contiguous woodlands over 10 acres in size.
 In addition, any land with a slope over 20 percent should be considered an environmental corridor.
4-4
Significant natural resources,
cultural sites, and good
agricultural land are often found
within environmental corridors.
Figure 4.2
The environmental corridor
designation is a Jefferson County
overlay zoning district with more
restrictive policies than the
underlying zoning with a
maximum of one dwelling per 10
acres.
Jefferson County suggests that
these continuous areas of
environmentally sensitive land
should be protected from
nonagricultural development.
Large areas designated as
environmental corridor are found along the Rock River, the Bark River, and Allen Creek as well as the
wetlands and floodplains adjacent to Lake Koshkonong. About 11,500 acres in the Town are identified as
environmental corridors including wetlands, floodplains, and all upland woods over 10 acres in size
(Figure 4.2).
The Town of Koshkonong recognizes the importance of environmental corridors and has included a
policy in Chapter 7 - Land Use and Housing that requires new construction to be located at least 75 feet
horizontally and 2 feet vertically from wetlands and follows the Jefferson County setback policies from
navigable water bodies. This buffer is expected to minimize flood damage to dwellings, property, and
Town infrastructure.
Upland Woods
Upland deciduous woods cover about 520 acres of the Town of Koshkonong (Figure 4.2). Most of the
large woodland tracts are found where steep slopes and thin soils were not suitable for cultivation. This
map does not depict lowland forests which are found along Lake Koshkonong and the Bark and Rock
Rivers. Typical upland trees include bur, white, black, and red oak, hickory, hackberry, cherry, ash, and
sugar maple. Native songbirds and other woodland inhabitants require large expanses of unbroken forest.
This plan requires new lots in woodlands to be clustered near the road to minimize fragmentation to the
existing woodlands.
Lakes, Rivers, and Streams
The Town of Koshkonong lies in several sub-watersheds of the Rock River and includes parts of the
following watersheds: Bark River, Whitewater Creek, and Lower Koshkonong Creek. 2 Lake
Koshkonong is a prominent feature (Figure 4.3). The lake is 10,460 acres in size and extends into the
Town of Sumner, Dane County, and Rock County. 3 It has a maximum depth of 7 feet with a mean depth
of 5 feet.
A dam at Indianford, used at times for hydroelectric power, impedes the flow of the Rock River and
forms the Lake Koshkonong. Impairments to the water quality of the lake include non-point source
pollution, water level fluctuations, turbidity, and nutrient enrichment. The Department of Natural
Resources has been planning to construct a breakwater along the eastern shore of the lake to create fish
4-5
and wildlife habitat and reduce erosion from wave action. The Rock-Koshkonong Management District
formed in 1999 to manage lake
issues. The lake is used
Figure 4.3
extensively for recreation and
fishing.
During the late 19th century Lake
Koshkonong was teaming with
waterfowl and was known as “The
Chesapeake of the West”. Huge
migrations of canvasbacks and
redheads fed at the marsh.
Beginning in the late 1850’s
hunting lodges sprang up to cater
to prominent sportsmen, military,
and political leaders who reached
Koshkonong Station by train from
the east coast to pursue the ducks.
Local market hunters also supplied
restaurants far and wide.4
Mud Lake is located in the slews at the mouth of the Rock River. The lake is 120 acres in size. Various
hunting clubs own most of the land around Mud Lake.
The Rock River is a defining feature in Jefferson County. It flows from its headwaters north of Horicon,
through Lake Koshkonong and into Illinois. The Lower Rock River is 48 miles in length from Fort
Atkinson to the Illinois state line. It is classified as a warm water sport fishery capable of supporting a
community of warm water sport fish or serving as a spawning area.
The Bark River joins the Rock River in the Town of Koshkonong. The Department of Natural Resources
maintains a fish hatchery at the mouth of the river where sauger, walleye, perch, and northern pike are
hatched. The Bark is 68 miles long and flows from the
Oconomowoc Lakes to the Rock River just east of Fort
Atkinson. It is classified as a warm water sport fishery.
Impairments include stream flow fluctuations caused by
unnatural conditions, habitat degradation, fish migration
interference (dams), and turbidity. Fishing, hunting,
canoeing and kayaking are popular on the Bark River.
Allen Creek, south of Fort Atkinson, is the only
“exceptional resource water” in Jefferson County listed
in the Wisconsin State Statutes. The least darter, a fish
species on the state special concern list is found in Allen
Creek and wetlands along the creek serve as spawning
The Rock River at Lake Koshkonong.
grounds for northern pike. Exceptional resource waters
often have excellent water quality and are valued fisheries. The creek runs north from the Rock County
line to the Rock River south of Fort Atkinson. It is 8 miles long and is a warm water forage fish
community capable of supporting an abundant, diverse community of forage fish and other aquatic life.
Wetlands
About 4,840 acres of wetlands are found in the Town of Koshkonong. Most of the wetlands are located
adjacent to the Rock River, Bark River, Allen Creek, and Lake Koshkonong. Wetlands near the mouth of
4-6
the Rock River are owned by the Department of Natural Resources. Wetlands perform numerous
functions such as wildlife habitat, slowing floodwaters, and nutrient and pollutant absorption. Mush-KoSe-Day Park features two natural ponds and wetlands that are attractive to waterfowl.
The wetlands around Allen Creek are the home to uncommon and endangered species. A rare calcareous
fen is found along the creek and is under study by the WDNR and the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Wildlife
Bird life is abundant in the Town of Koshkonong, particularly waterfowl that frequent the lakes, rivers,
and marshes. Waterfowl are not as abundant as when Lake Koshkonong was still a marsh and huge
flocks darkened the sky. Common birds along the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong, particularly during
spring and fall migration, include geese, sandhill cranes, northern harrier, red-tail hawk, turkey vulture,
sora rail, herring and ring-billed gulls, black and Forster’s terns, great blue heron, green heron, a
multitude of songbirds, and even white pelicans.5 American bald eagle nests have been reported along
Lake Koshkonong. Deer herds and wild turkey flocks are commonly seen throughout, as are coyote, fox,
raccoon, and other typical Midwestern mammals.
Lake Koshkonong has received the Wisconsin Important Bird Area designation. This is a global program
to protect key habitat for all birds. It aims to identify and protect areas that are important to birds at any
stage of their life cycle. 6
Rare Species and State Natural Area
The Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Inventory notes that rare aquatic and terrestrial
species have been found in the Town of Koshkonong in the wetlands and waters of the Rock and Bark
Rivers and Allen Creek.
The Star School Fen State Natural Area has been proposed in the Town of Koshkonong. In this area
along Allen Creek patches of calcareous fen, wet-mesic
prairie, and southern sedge meadow support a diverse
flora that includes blue-joint grass, big bluestem, marsh
skullcap, marsh marigold, bulbet water-hemlock, water
horehound, and prairie blazing star. Rare species
include prairie Indian plantain, slim-stem reed grass,
least darter, and Blanding's turtle. In general, the site is
of high-quality but encroachment of woody and invasive
species require management in order to maintain the
long-term integrity of the system. Landowners have
embarked on an ambitious management and restoration
program.
A birdwalk at Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park
4.4
Town of Koshkonong Parks
The Town, Jefferson County, and the WDNR manage a variety of parks and open space in the Town of
Koshkonong. A parkland dedication ordinance was enacted in 1996 that requires developers to dedicate
developable land for public use at a rate of 0.05 acres per dwelling unit or pay a fee-in-lieu of land
dedication. As a result, several small open space parcels are scattered among the existing subdivisions.
Parks and public land in the Town are listed in Table 4.4 and maped on Figure 4.5.
There are 968.12 acres of public land in the Town of Koshkonong with about 70 acres provided by the
Town itself. The Town provides paved shoulders on Aspen Drive, Maxwell Way and in Twin Knolls
4-7
(proposed) for bikers and pedestrians. The Town of Koshkonong developed a capital improvement list
and potential park improvement projects in the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Park and Outdoor
Recreation Plan.
Table 4.4
Parks, Trails, and Public Open Space
Town of Koshkonong
Woodlawn
Briarwood Village
Bramblebush Lane
Mush-Ko-Se-Day
Vinnie Ha Ha 3 Lake Koshkonong Access Points
Binghams Point 2 Lake Koshkonong Access Points
Binghams Point Wooded Area
Fort Atkinson School District
School District Forest
Jefferson County
Indian Mounds Park
Burnt Village Park
Glacial River Trail
WDNR
Lake Koshkonong Marsh Wildlife Area
Total
Acres
2.26
6.54
0.49
52.0
1.00
0.28
0.75
24.80
5.00
3.20
26.40
857.00
979.72
Figure 4.5
4-8
The Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan lists acquisition priorities for unique and rare lands for parks and
open space.
 Allen Creek is the only State designated “Exceptional Resource Water” in Jefferson County.
The stream runs through the Town of Koshkonong and the City of Fort Atkinson Klement
Industrial Park. The high water quality of Allen Creek deserves protection.
 Connect existing parks by trails by acquiring land, easements, or leases.
 Connect Lake Koshkonong to the Bark River and Fort Atkinson by trails.
 Buffer parkland from new roads and development to maintain the quiet quality of the parks.
 Acquire unique lands with rare features.
 Acquire land or land preservation agreements to buffer Allen Creek.
 Consider the property on the NW corner of Koshkonong Lake Road and Old Hwy 26 for a
park – features wooded kettles.
 Consider wooded property on McIntyre Road.
Other Potential Park Initiatives include:
 Plan for growth, greenspace, and active recreation together with the City of Fort Atkinson.
Fort Atkinson is running out of open space for ball fields and active recreation.
 Develop boat slips on the lagoon off of Blackhawk Island Road where boats can land out of
the Rock River channel.
 The closed Superior Meadows landfill could be considered for a park or oak savanna
restoration.
 Jefferson County and the Federal government are buying out flood prone properties on
Blackhawk Island. It is assumed that those properties will become property of the DNR with
the potential for public recreation.
 Work with the WiDOT to protect wetlands, unique lands, Allen Creek, open space, and high
quality agricultural land, and preserve current drainage patterns.
 Designate bike trails when planning and constructing the Hwy 12 By-Pass in the Town of
Koshkonong.
Rustic Roads
Three Rustic Roads have been designated by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation at the petition
of Town residents (Figure 4.6).



Rustic Road 84 is 2.2 miles long and travels east from the Rock River on Bark River Road.
Rustic Road 87 is 6.8 miles long and includes portions of Creamery, McIntyre, Poeppel, and Pond
Roads from State Road 26 to U.S. Hwy 12.
Rustic Road 88 is 3.5 miles long on Cold Spring Road from Carnes Road to US Hwy 12.
Campgrounds
Three private campgrounds are available to visitors to the Town of Koshkonong. There are no public
campgrounds. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, a full service campground at N551 Wishing Well Lane,
provides daily campsites with electrical hook-up, cabins, and seasonal camping. Other features are 2
heated pools, 3 playgrounds, volleyball, baseball, basketball, tennis, horseshoes, shuffleboard, a fishing
pond, 18 hole mini golf, and organized activities and entertainment.
Pilgrims Campground at W7271 Hwy C is a secluded campground that provides RV camping with a
Grocery/Supply Store, pool, and a playground. D.L. Trident Bikers Club on Vickerman Road is a
campground permitted by the Town of Koshkonong for special motorcycle events.
4-9
Glacial Heritage Area
About 30 partner organizations worked with the WDNR on the Glacial Heritage Area Initiative. The
Glacial Heritage Area covers all of western Jefferson County, far southwestern Dodge County, far eastern
Dane County, and Rock County around Milton. The plan was approved by the state Natural Resources
Board in 2009.
The Glacial Heritage Area (GHA) project will link parks, preserves, wildlife and natural areas, and other
conservation lands to nearby cities and villages with different types of trails. This network aims to:
 Connect people to the outdoors – provide readily accessible opportunities for residents and
visitors to get outdoors and participate in hiking, biking, wildlife watching, fishing, paddling,
hunting, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and other activities. The project also
seeks to help keep kids connected to nature.
 Protect the pearls –protect and restore native grassland, savanna, woodland, and wetland habitats,
and improve water quality in area lakes, wetlands, and rivers.
The WDNR also updated the master plans for all the Wildlife Areas in Jefferson County, including the
Koshkonong Marsh Wildlife Area.
Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park is listed in the Glacial Heritage Area Master Plan.
1
Borman, R.G. and L.C. Trotta. 1975 Ground-Water Resource and Geology of Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
United States Department of the Interior Geologic Survey. UW-Extension Geological and Natural History Survey.
2
Jefferson County Land Information Department Land Records Web Services. http://lrs.jeffersoncountywi.gov/
3
Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department. Jefferson County Land and Water Resource
Management Plan 2000-2005.
4
Lehmkuhl, Bob. Lake Koshkonong-Susquehanna Flats 1870-1898 Searching for the Decoy Connection. Decoy
Magazine.
5
Wanie, Richard. 2002. Canoeing the Land of Blackhawk. Richard Wanie.
6
Wisconsin Important Bird Areas. http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/IBA/, September 20, 2004
4-10
Chapter 5
Business and Agriculture
The Town of Koshkonong is primarily a rural agricultural area. Commercial businesses in the Town are
located along USH 12 and STH 26 just south of Fort Atkinson, along STH 106, and a few recreational
businesses are found along and near Lake Koshkonong.
Farming, agricultural products, and processing are important to the economy of the Town and Jefferson
County providing nearly 11,000 jobs and employing 23 percent of Jefferson County workforce. 1 Farming
tends to have more staying power than other businesses and industries that may settle in the area, indeed
the land has been farmed here since about 1840. Farmers rely on nearby markets and suppliers to
continue their business.
Farms in the Town of Koshkonong produce grain, nursery and
greenhouse plants, fruit, hay, hogs, milk, cattle, sheep and goats,
horses, poultry and eggs.
Natural resources and open spaces in the Town of Koshkonong
are also economic generators. Recreation and tourism are
economically important and based on those natural resources.
Summer visitors and second home residents enjoy boating and
fishing on Lake Koshkonong, camping, biking, hiking, hunting,
and viewing wildlife. They impact the economy of Jefferson
County and the City of Fort Atkinson by visiting stores,
businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
A dairy farm expansion in the Town of
Koshkonong.
Agro-tourism is also evident in the Town of Koshkonong. The historic Hoard’s Dairyman Farm with its
new state-of-the-art dairy facilities is located in the northern part of the Town and the Dairy Shrine and
Hoard Museum in Fort Atkinson attract thousands of visitors from all over the world, particularly during
World Dairy Expo, which is held in Madison.
Visitors also cruise the three Rustic Roads in the Town and stop at orchards, nurseries, and Indian
Mounds Park.
While economic activity is evident in the Town of Koshkonong, many residents commute to nearby cities
for work such as Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Whitewater, Janesville, Madison, Milwaukee, and even
Chicago.
The agriculture and business element strives to balance the protection of natural areas and agricultural
land with the need for jobs and commerce and encourages new development to occur in ways that are
sustainable and complementary to the rural landscape so characteristic of the Town of Koshkonong.
In this plan, the Town of Koshkonong Growth Area has been mapped west of STH 26 and east of Lake
Koshkonong as a potential infill area for conservation subdivisions and possibly small businesses that are
complementary to the rural and recreational nature of the area. Koshkonong Mounds Country Club and
Jellystone Campground, two of the biggest commercial businesses in the Town are also located here.
5-1
5.1
Issues for Economic Growth
In addition to several public meeting during the planning phase, focus groups on Real Estate and Business
and Farming and Agriculture were held during the planning phase.
The primary issues that surfaced during the public meetings were:
 There will be fewer farmers but farms will be bigger and the acreage of farmland will stay pretty
constant. The bigger farms will need more land to comply with DNR manure regulations. There
may be niche-type smaller farms, such as organic.
 Agriculture will continue in the Town as long as farms are profitable.
 Businesses and industries that require city services should be located within city limits or in an
industrial park.
 Businesses, such as recreational, that don’t need city services and infrastructure may be
considered for the Town.
 The Town should encourage recreational businesses such as campgrounds, bait shops, marinas,
small restaurants, small general stores, trading posts, and bed and breakfast type of lodging.
Noisy restaurants and bars on the lake will probably have opposition.
5.2
Business and Agriculture Goals, Objectives and Strategies
Goals
1. Natural resource-based tourism and production agriculture constitute the economic base within
the Town of Koshkonong.
2. Retail, service, and commercial businesses that enhance the quality of life in the Town of
Koshkonong residents and visitors may be considered and situated in appropriate places.
3. The Town of Koshkonong partners and/or participates in regional economic planning activities.
Objective
The Town of Koshkonong maintains policies that encourage production agriculture and investment
in farming operations.
Economic Strategies for Agriculture
1. Enact policies that allow economic activity that enhances farm income.
2. Enact policies to issue conditional use permits for farm product and supply sales in the Town
of Koshkonong.
3. Allow and encourage a diversity of farming enterprises.
4. Strive to keep agriculture-related jobs and farm supply businesses in and close to the Town of
Koshkonong.
5. Participate in the Jefferson County Economic Development Plan process that includes the
visions for home-grown businesses and enterprising agriculture.
6. Consider provisions of the Wisconsin Working Lands Initiative that may encourage the
formation of Agricultural Enterprise Areas and Agricultural TIF Districts that could assist in
agriculture-based business development and retention of agricultural land to supply new agribusinesses with raw products.
7. Inform the Jefferson County Tourism Council about the agricultural heritage of the Town of
Koshkonong and potential agro-tourism sites.
5-2
Natural Resource-Based Tourism Strategies
1. Work cooperatively to the extent possible with the City of Fort Atkinson, the Fort Atkinson Area
Chamber of Commerce, and the Jefferson County Tourism Council to promote sustainable
recreational use of the waters, natural areas, trails and parks in the Town of Koshkonong.
2. Partner with Jefferson County, WDNR, and other agencies and organizations to protect and
restore unique natural and hunting areas and to enhance recreational opportunities for residents
and visitors.
3. Participate in the Glacial Heritage Area Feasibility Study and recommendations.
4. Use the policies of the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan to maintain the rural
character of the Town that is so attractive to residents and visitors.
5. Enact policies to protect quality viewsheds and hilltops from development.
Objective
Identify and plan for appropriate areas where commercial business activity that serves Town
residents might be located.
Strategies for appropriate commercial business in the Town of Koshkonong
1. Enact siting and approval ordinances for retail, service, and commercial development if such
development is desirable.
2. Home-based businesses are allowed by Jefferson County ordinances and conditional land use
permit procedures. Enact policies to prevent home-based businesses from creating conflicts with
other land uses in close proximity.
3. Have a presence in Jefferson County, Fort Atkinson, and Whitewater economic development
organizations and initiatives.
4. Create policies that encourage commercial and business structures to utilize sustainable and green
design and to participate in the WDNR Green Tier Program in order to improve air quality, the
water quality of Lake Koshkonong, rivers and streams; to replenish aquifers, to conserve energy,
and to use Town and City services efficiently.
5. Closely scrutinize any proposed commercial or industrial development that has facilities,
operations, or land use practices that could potentially contaminate ground or surface water.
6. Require developer agreements that provide impact studies and assurances that new buildings will
remain occupied and property will be maintained properly at all times.
5.3
Local Economic Conditions
Planning Context
The Town of Koshkonong surrounds the City of Fort Atkinson and is located between the two large
economic centers of Madison and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area. Over 3 million people reside within
100 miles of Jefferson County.
STH 26 crosses the Town of Koshkonong from north to south and connects Janesville and Beloit in Rock
County to Waupan in Dodge County. USH 12 bisects the Town from northwest to southeast and
WisDOT has presented several proposals for a USH 12 by-pass of Fort Atkinson connecting to Business
STH 26. This construction project coupled with the STH 26 expansion and bypass construction around
the cities of Milton, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, and Watertown could create a climate for more commercial
and population growth in Jefferson County.
Town land use is primarily agriculture and natural resources, which provide economic activity through
the sale of agricultural products and agricultural service industries, recreation, and tourism.
5-3
Jefferson County is formulating an economic development update to the 1999 Jefferson County
Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan at this writing. The vision for that plan is:
 Grow our own businesses and help existing industries compete local and globally through strong
innovation links and local networks.
 Expand agricultural, food and bio-energy businesses to capture growing regional and national
demand.
 Attract top talent by enhancing small town living, strengthening the natural resource system, and
becoming a close to home tourism destination.
The Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan complements these County visions.
Labor Force and Major Businesses and Industries
In the year 2000, 1,906 Town residents were in the labor force (those 16 years and over). The median
household income was $60,000 in 1999 dollars and the median family income was $61,604, which was
$14,703 higher than that of Jefferson County families as a whole, see Table 5.1.
The per capita income was $24,100. The median income of full-time year-round male workers was
$46,676.00 in 1999 and $26,909.00 for female workers. The largest household income group was in the
$60,000 to $99,999 range with nearly 34 percent of all households. The average weekly wage in
Jefferson County for the 2nd quarter of 2008 was in the $600-$699 range.2
The Wisconsin average weekly wage was $730.00. Two percent of families and 2.2 percent of
individuals in the Town of Koshkonong were below the poverty level in 2000, compared to 3.7 percent in
Jefferson County.
In the Town of Koshkonong management, professional, and related occupations (including farm owners
and managers) were listed as their occupation by 28.2 percent of workers, followed by production,
transportation, and material moving occupations; sales and office occupations; service occupations;
construction, extraction, and maintenance occupations; and farming and forestry. The occupations and
top industries are listed in Table 5.1.
Most Koshkonong workers, 83.8 percent, were private wage and salary workers. Government workers
tallied 9.3 percent and self-employed workers accounted for 6 percent.
Census 2000 data indicates that of 1,826 workers who live in the Town 19.2 percent worked in the Town
of Koshkonong and 80.8 percent worked outside of the Town. STH 26, USH 12, I-90, and I-94 give
residents easy access to adjacent counties and to Illinois for work. The mean travel time to work is 19.6
minutes.
5-4
Table 5.1 Workforce Statistics
Percent of Town
of Koshkonong
Workforce
Occupation in 2000
Management and professional occupations including farm
owners/managers
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Construction, extraction, and maintenance occupations
Farming, fishing, and forestry work
Employment Industry
Manufacturing
Education, health, and social services
Retail trade
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food service
Transportation, warehousing, and utilities
Construction
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining
Subject
Median Family Income in 2000
Per Capita Income
Families below poverty level in 1999
Percent of
Jefferson County
Workforce
28.2 %
26.1%
23.0%
22.1%
14.8%
9.6%
2.3%
Percent of Town of
Koshkonong
Workforce
25.5%
14.2%
8.7%
8.7%
7.6%
7.0%
4.0%
Town of
Koshkonong
$61,604.00
$24,100.00
2.0 percent
26.4%
23.4%
14.0%
9.2%
2.8%
Percent of
Jefferson County
Workforce
30.0%
18.0%
11.6%
6.5%
3.9%
6.1%
2.8%
Jefferson County
$46,901.00
$21,236.00
3.7 percent
Jefferson County Employment
Almost 3,000 business organizations and business establishments operate in Jefferson County. Over
one half of these businesses reported employing 19 or fewer employees. 3 Small businesses, farming
and industries related to agriculture are the heart of Jefferson County’s economy. Table 5.2 provides
Jefferson County employment figures for December 2008. 4
Table 5.2
Employment Category
County Civilian Labor Force
# Employed
#Unemployed
Jefferson County Unemployment Rate
Wisconsin Unemployment Rate
Total Non-Farm Employment
Total Private Employment
December
2008
Employment
44,051
41,450
2,601
5.9%
5.8%
38,532
33,090
December
2007
Employment
43,681
41,737
1,944
4.5%
4.6%
Percent
Change
0.85%
-0.69%
33.8%
1.4%
1.2%
County-wide the top five industries by number of employees in the second quarter of 2008 were
manufacturing (28%), retail trade (12%), health care and social assistance (9%), accommodation and food
services (7%), and educational services (6%). The top employers in Jefferson County were Fort
Healthcare, Inc., County of Jefferson, Trek, Briggs and Stratton Power Products, and Bethesda Lutheran
Homes and Services. 5
5-5
Jefferson County executives believe that quality of life, the K-12 education system and the cost of living
are the most important positive factors in attracting new employees. 6
Economic Development Resources
Many resources are available to assist businesses in Jefferson County:
The Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium (JCEDC)
The JDEDC serves as the lead economic development organization in Jefferson County. The
Consortium is located in the Workforce Development Center in Jefferson. Current projects
include an economic development plan for Jefferson County. JDEDC has the following goals:
 To improve the competitiveness and profitability of existing businesses.
 To encourage formation of new businesses and expansion of existing business in the
County.
 To encourage businesses and industries to locate in Jefferson County.
 To enhance economic development activities in local communities and foster the
development of physical infrastructure to support future economic development.
 To maintain the desired quality of life of each community through managed growth.
 To improve opportunities for agribusiness.
Jefferson County Workforce Development Center
The mission of the Workforce Development Center is to advance the economic well being of the
region by developing and maintaining a quality workforce. The Workforce Development Center
of Jefferson County has been able to meet the requests of both job seekers and employers alike
through strong partnerships.
University of Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
The UW-Whitewater SBDC provides free guidance to business owners and to entrepreneurs in
Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth and Waukesha County with business training and consulting
services. Specialists work with small business owners and entrepreneurs, at no cost to their
clients, to provide them with the information and resources they need in marketing and sales,
finance and accounting, human resources, general business, and continuous innovation.
Capital Ideas Technology Zone
Eight Technology Zones have been designated in Wisconsin. $5 million in income tax credits are
available to high-technology businesses locating or expanding in each Technology Zone. The
Capital Ideas Technology Zone includes the counties of Jefferson, Dane, and Rock.
The Capital Ideas Technology Zone targets the following industries: biotechnology, business
services, food processing, industrial machinery automation, information technology, instrument
manufacturing, plastics, and transportation equipment.
The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce also works in the area “to promote and
maintain a strong business community in the Fort Atkinson Area through active leadership, programming
and social political action; which will result in a better quality of life for all members of the community”.
The Chamber helps stimulate industrial and commercial growth and seeks to improve community
facilities, streets, highways, parks, schools, marketing facilities, and human resources.
The Wisconsin State Working Lands Initiative through the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and
Consumer Protection is proposing an Agricultural Technology Areas pilot program starting in 2010 in
which groups of farmers could voluntarily apply to protect their land from development for 15 years to
5-6
continue farming in an efficient manner or to supply a local processor or agri-industry. Participation
within a mapped Agricultural Technology Area would be voluntary. Landowners who do participate
would receive property tax credit incentives, may be eligible for agri-business loans, rural TIFF districts
could be a possibility, and funding for infrastructure could be available to the local jurisdiction.
Tourism and Recreation
Seasonal residents, tourists, and travelers are attracted to the Town of Koshkonong. Those with second
homes on Lake Koshkonong contribute to the economy of the Town of Koshkonong, City of Fort
Atkinson, Jefferson County, and Wisconsin.
Lake Koshkonong features vacation homes, camping, boating, fishing, ice fishing, restaurants, 4th of July
celebrations, and the opportunity to enjoy nature on and around the lake. Boat ramps for residents and
visitors alike are provided by the WDNR on Groeler Road at the STH 26 bridge and on Vinnie Ha Ha
Road. Fort Atkinson provides ramps on the Rock River downtown and on CTH K. Additional piers are
being planned in the downtown area. Winter activities include hunting on the marshes, ice fishing,
snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snow shoeing. Winter festivals and fishing derbies
are held in various communities. Hunting clubs own some of the marshes around Lake Koshkonong and
hunting and trapping is a year-round activity for some residents and visitors.
Tourists spent $1.39 million in Jefferson County in 2008, down 1.47 percent from 2007. Jefferson
County is ranked 25th in the state for tourism spending. Total impact from traveler spending supported
3,818 full-time equivalent jobs in 2008, up 4.36 percent from the previous year. Tourism contributed
$86.9 million in resident income and $7.21 million in local tax revenue, up 1.6 percent from 2007.
Seasonal tourist spending peaks in the summer:
June through August spending
42 percent of total
September through November spending 24 percent
March through May spending
20 percent
December through February spending 14 percent
The Jefferson County Tourism Council promotes events, businesses, municipalities, parks and trails in all
of Jefferson County.
5.4
Issues for Agriculture
About 60 percent of the land area, or 17,116 acres, in the Town of Koshkonong is in agricultural
production, according to the latest land use data available from the Jefferson County Land Information
Department. This predominance of agricultural land gives the Town of Koshkonong its rural character
and atmosphere. Agriculture has been a way of life in Wisconsin and an important part of our culture.
Agriculture is an economic driver in Jefferson County and the State of Wisconsin. Farms preserve natural
resources and wildlife habitat as well as provide employment, food, fiber, and biofuel.
Farm operations in the Town include large and small dairies, beef, hogs, sheep, horse farms, poultry, crop
farms, specialty plants such as peonies, and orchards. Historic Hoard’s Dairyman Farm is known
worldwide as an experimental farm for dairy innovation.
Environmental corridors and natural areas are part of most farms and must co-exist with agricultural land
and rural residential development. Farms also provide wildlife habitat and food, groundwater recharge,
and the traditional Wisconsin landscape.
5-7
Farmers attended all the public input meetings for the land use plan. A focus group specifically for
farmers was held in March 2008 to discuss the land use issues that affect farming and farm profitability.
Non-farm participants repeatedly stressed that maintaining the rural and open character of the Town of
Koshkonong was important to them.
The primary issues that surfaced during the public meetings were:
 Protecting prime agricultural soils and productivity.
 Finding a method to capture the value of lots allocated by Jefferson County Zoning while
protecting farmland.
 Using common sense when locating residential lots.
 WDNR manure management regulations require certain land to animal unit ratios for spreading
manure and require buffers around residential wells and development.
 The ability to farm while more residential development occurs.
 Non-farm neighbors not understanding farming practices.
 Maintaining and improving Town roads.
 Farmer representation in the face of an increasing non-farm population.
Issues related to rural residential development and agricultural preservation are discussed in Chapter 7
Land Use.
5.5
Agriculture Goals, Objective and Strategies
Goal
Farming thrives in the Town of Koshkonong and sustainable agriculture is heart of our rural character
and landscape.
Objective
The Town of Koshkonong allows farmers to farm efficiently while protecting productive soils.
Sustainable Farming Strategies
1. Enact policies, such as site plan review, to maintain the integrity of existing farm fields.
2. Support the Jefferson County Right-to-Farm policy.
3. Support the Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department, UW-Extension, USDA
Farm Service Administration, and other programs that provide farmers with the information and
incentives to farm in a sustainable manner in order to preserve topsoil, maintain productivity, and
improve the water quality of streams, rivers, and lakes for future generations.
4. Support and direct landowners to Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department,
UW-Extension, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, and other programs and
incentives that provide cost-sharing to enhance and restore natural areas and plant streambank
buffers and wildlife habitat on their land.
5. Consider encouraging farmers in the Town to explore forming an Agricultural Enterprise Area to
protect large blocks of working farms. Agricultural Enterprise Area participants would receive
property tax incentives to enter into farmland protection programs through the Wisconsin
Working Lands Initiative proposed in the 2009 State budget.
6. Be supportive of direct market and value-added agriculture.
5-8
5.6
Agricultural Resources
Based on the 2000 US Census, 3,321 people lived in the Town of Koshkonong. 318 lived in urban-type
subdivisions, 2,847 lived in rural areas but not on farms, and 156 or 4.7% of the population lived on
farms.7 Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining employed 74 adults over the age of 16
living in the Town, which is 4.0 percent of the workforce. 8
The US Census of Agriculture is conducted every 5 years and the latest Census was conducted in 2007.
Between the 1997 Census of Agriculture and 2007 land in farms in Jefferson County decreased 5.5
percent (see Table 5.3 9) and the number of farms decreased by four percent from 1,493 in 1997 to 1,434
in 2007. There was an increase in the number of farms between 2002 and 2007. The average farm size
decreased 1.7 percent from 173 acres in 1997 to 170 acres in 2002. The average sales per farm increased
over 62 percent from $89,948.00 in 1997 to $145,951.00 in 2007.
Table 5.3 Land in Farms and Farm Sales
Jefferson County
Land in Farms
Number of Farms
Average Farm Size
Total Sales per Farm
USDA Census of Agriculture 1997, 2007
1997
2002
2007
258,414 acres
1,493 farms
173 acres
$89,948.00
247,914 acres
1,421 farms
174 acres
$97,621.00
244,238 acres
1,434 farms
170 acres
$145,951.00
Change
1997 - 2007
- 14,176 acres
- 59 far ms
-3 acres
+ $56,003
Percent
Change
- 5.5%
-4.0%
-1.7%
+ 62.2%
Agricultural products and processing are an integral part of the Jefferson County economy accounting for
$1.51 billion in economic activity and providing 10,850 jobs in the County. 10 The market value of farm
production in Jefferson County was over $209 million in 2007, an increase of over 51 percent from 2002.
41 percent of that total was from crop sales and 50 percent from the sale of livestock. In 2007 44 percent
of the principal farm operators reported that farming was their primary occupation and 56 percent
reported that their primary occupation was something else.
Table 5.4 categorizes farms in the 53538 zip code by the types of products that were produced, the type of
operator, and farms with land in conservation programs in 2002. 11 Data specific to the Town of
Koshkonong is not available. Additional commodities, such as fruits and berries, are grown in the Town
of Koshkonong; however, the Census of Agriculture withholds data in categories with less than five farms
to protect the privacy of those farmers.
Top Jefferson County agricultural products:
 On-farm milk production and milk sales total $41.36 million annually. The total dairy industry
contribution is $43.1 million. One cow generates $1,818 in direct income to producers and
$15,000-$17,000 of economic activity. On farm production and dairy processing account for
about 360 jobs.
 Grain sales of $29.3 million annually.
 Egg sales of $25.1 million annually.
 Nursery stock and sod produce $24.7 million annually; horticulture is a growing industry in
Jefferson County generating $10.9 million in economic activity and providing 222 full-time and
many seasonal jobs.
 Vegetable sales of $6.7 million.
Ethanol plants in Jefferson, Milton, and Monroe have increased the local demand for corn and crop prices
are at high levels currently nation-wide. Local grain elevators, mills, and suppliers are located in Fort
Atkinson, Whitewater, Milton, Johnson Creek, and Jefferson. Nearby equipment dealers are located in
5-9
Whitewater, Jefferson, Watertown, Janesville, and Evansville. These businesses are vitally important to
maintaining an agricultural economy in Jefferson County.
Table 5.4 Koshkonong Farm Products
Number of Farms by
Size Category
Acreage of Cropland
Harvested
Number of Farms by
Value of Products
Sold
Number of Farms
Selling these
Commodities
Number of Farms
Selling these
Commodities
Number of Farms
Selling these
Commodities
Number of Farms by
Ownership
Number of Farms
1 to 49 acres
50 to 999 acres
1,000 acres plus
261
115
141
5
Number of Farms
1 to 49 acres
49 to 499 acres
500 acres plus
184
93
80
11
Number of Farms
Value of all Ag
Products Sold
<$50,000
Value of Ag
Products $50,000 $249,000
Value of Ag Products
$250,000 or more
261
209
36
16
Grains, oilseeds,
dry beans and dry
peas
Nursery,
greenhouse,
floriculture and sod
Other crops and
hay
Hogs and pigs
98
5
53
8
Sales of milk and
other dairy products
from cows
Sales of cattle and
calves
Sales of sheep,
goats and their
products
Sales of horses, ponies,
mules, burros and
donkey
33
71
12
5
Sales of poultry and
eggs
Sales of hogs
and pigs
Land in permanent
pasture and
rangeland
Land in Conservation
Reserve or Wetland
Reserve
9
8
42
69
Full Owner
Part-Owner
Tenant
181
70
10
Farmland Value
In Jefferson County, the value of farmland is influenced by the productive quality of the soil and
improvements, federal farm programs, and the demand for farmland and rural residential lots. Real-estate
values were increasing in the Town of Koshkonong and throughout southern Wisconsin until 2007.
According to the Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service, statewide sales data in 2007 showed fewer
acres of agricultural land being diverted to other uses and sales were at lower rates than the previous two
years.
5-10
While increasing land prices boost land owner equity and provide security, borrowing power, and a
retirement cushion, current land prices make it difficult for young farmers to enter the business and for
established farmers to expand their operation to bring in family members, increase efficiency, or to have
more control over land than renting. It is not cost effective for farmers to compete for land with the rural
residential market.
The Tables 5.5 and 5.6 trace the rise in farmland prices for land and improvements sold for agricultural
uses and agricultural land diverted to other uses in Jefferson County. The average price of land staying in
farming without buildings increased by nearly 85 percent between 2002 and 2007. Agricultural land sold
for other uses increased in average price from $3,098 per acre in 2002 to $17,517.00 per acre in 2007
Table 5.5 All Agricultural Land Sold in Jefferson County 2002 through 2007 12
Number of
Year
Acres Sold
Dollars Per Acre
Transactions
Agricultural Land Continuing in Agricultural Use
2002
12
1,044
$2510
2003
40
2,510
$4,313
2004
30
2,897
$3,619
2005
30
1,859
$5,688
2006
23
1,191
$6,623
2007
22
1,558
$5,380
Agricultural Land Being Diverted to Other Uses
2002
6
257
$3,098
2003
6
250
$9,214
2004
16
820
$5,797
2005
7
242
$12,415
2006
5
392
$12,764
2007
9
433
$17,517
Table 5.6 Agricultural Land Sales without Buildings in Jefferson County
Year
Ag Land Continuing in
Ag Use
Acres Sold
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
1,044
1,325
1,600
802
543
775
Dollars
per acre
$2,510
$2.642
$2,914
$3,377
$4,321
$4,638
Ag Land Diverted to
Other Uses
Acres Sold
257
114
566
299
91
171
Dollars
per acre
$3,098
$8,070
$5,755
$12,111
$18,500
$20,186
5-11
Total of
all Ag
Land
Sold
Dollars
per acre
$2,626
$3,072
$3,657
$5,317
$6,356
$7,448
Range for Land
Continuing in Ag Use
Lowest
Price
$945
NA
$1,200
$2,460
$2,940
$2,790
Highest
Price
$5,108
NA
$7,335
$5,200
$10,525
$9,500
1
Jefferson County Agriculture: Value and Economic Impact. 2004. UW Extension. 2000 Economic data.
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Jefferson County Snapshot. December 2008.
3
Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium 2007 Report. Jefferson County.
4
Jefferson County Snapshot. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
5
Jefferson County Summary Wisconsin’s Worknet. Office of Economic Advisors. Department of Workforce
Development.
6
Jefferson County Wisconsin Business Retention & Expansion Study 2004. Jefferson County Economic
Development Consortium.
7
U.S. Census 2000 Summary File 3 (SF3), P5 Rural and Urban Koshkonong town, Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
8
U.S. Census 2000 Table DP-3. Profile of Selected Economic Characteristics: 2000.
9
United States Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service. 2007 Census of Agriculture
Wisconsin County Summary Highlights.
10
UW-Extension. 2004. Jefferson County Agriculture: Value and Economic Impact.
11
Census of Agriculture 2002. 53538 Zip Code tabulation of selected characteristics.
12
Agricultural Land Sales. 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005. Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service.
http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Wisconsin/index.asp
2
5-12
Chapter 6
6.1
Transportation
Transportation Issues
The Town of Koshkonong is in a rural area and most transportation takes place by automobile. Few
public transportation options are available to Town residents though many work outside the Town.
Farmers often use the roads to move machinery between fields and to take crops and livestock to barns,
storage facilities, and markets. Increasing traffic on Town roads can result in conflicts with slow moving
farm machinery. Damage to narrow Town roads by heavy equipment, both farm equipment and heavy
trucks, is an on-going concern.
Town road maintenance includes rural roads and subdivision streets. The Town has two full-time
employees whose primary responsibilities concern Town road maintenance, including snowplowing,
mowing, patching of potholes, tree trimming, brushing, signage, some ditching, and general maintenance
of the shop and town hall. They do not do road construction related jobs such as coating, crack filling,
putting in culverts, and bridgework. A maintenance shop and salt shed are located adjacent to the Town
Hall.
State and federal highways cross the Town of
Koshkonong. STH 26 travels north and south
through the Town of Koshkonong and provides
easy access south to Janesville and Interstate 90 and
Forth Atkinson, Jefferson, Johnson Creek,
Watertown and Interstate 94 to the north.
Widening 6 miles of the STH 26 bypass to four
lanes and limiting access with bridges at Hoard and
Banker Roads is scheduled for 2010-2011. STH 26
will be expanded to four lanes in the current
corridor from Milton to Fort Atkinson in 20122014. Intersections and driveways will be limited
A Jefferson County Bike Route on McIntyre Road.
in some portions of the route and frontage roads
will be added. 1 The Town has expressed opposition to both the STH 26 and USH 12 by-pass projects.
A USH 12 bypass has been under consideration by WisDOT for many years. The route and construction
date are uncertain.
Impacts of Bypass Construction
The Town of Koshkonong has been interacting with representatives from WiDOT for several years on
bypass issues and has been observing the impacts of the current STH 26 bypass. The following bypass
impacts have been noted:




Loss of tax base due to land being purchased by WiDOT and no payments in lieu of property
taxes.
Increased cost of tax assessment contracts – higher property taxes for all property owners due to
the cost to assess more parcels caused by the division of land for a highway.
Increased cost of fire and ambulance contracts due to more calls on the bypass.
Increased cost for snow removal and maintenance of Town roads due to former state highway
sections being designated Town roads and adding miles of roadway. Additional dead ends and
unconnected road increase road maintenance time and costs.
6-1
Transportation







Damage to Town roads from construction equipment and truck traffic – failure to use designated
routes and hauling to private property.
Expansion of the Fort Atkinson Urban Service Area to the bypass and perhaps across the bypass.
Redesign of Town roads due to the construction of the bypass resulted in inadequate turnarounds
for school buses and road maintenance equipment.
Additional dead end roads.
Additional environmental impacts to water levels, wildlife, pollutants from roadway runoff,
increased noise and lights.
Severance of existing road access, property access, and farm fields.
Remnant tracts of land with no access.
Many Town residents are attracted by the recreational activities that are available nearby and use existing
trails and paths for transportation as well. They enjoy biking and walking along Town roads and streets
as well as on Jefferson County’s Glacial River Trail, which travels from the Rock County line through
downtown Fort Atkinson on a former rail line parallel to STH 26. Expansion of the trail to Jefferson and
Watertown is expected with the construction of the STH 26 bypass. Recreational boating and fishing on
Lake Koshkonong are very popular and WDNR boat ramps in the Town may be filled to capacity on
summer weekends.
The transportation element strives to integrate the need for high quality roadways and non-motorized
transportation routes with the desire to maintain and enhance rural atmosphere, to provide opportunities
for recreation and exercise, and to provide multi-modal transportation networks in a sustainable manner.
Transportation Issues identified at Public Visioning Sessions included:
 Minimize the impacts of proposed road construction to natural resources, farmland, road
connections, and community character.
 Maintain and improve Town roads.
 The desire for addition bicycle and pedestrian routes.
 Locate County Bicycle Routes on roads that have a suitable width, traffic patterns, and repair.
 Opposition to the planned USH 12 Fort Atkinson by-pass.
 Concern over losing private property to by-pass construction.
 Concern about emergency access to Town roads along the STH 26 by-pass if some roads become
limited access.
6.2
Transportation Goals, Objectives, Policies, and Programs
Goals
1. Town of Koshkonong roads, paths, and transportation networks are in good condition and as safe
as possible.
2. Residents and visitors have a variety of transportation choices including pedestrian, bicycle,
moped, electric vehicle, and public-assisted transportation (cabs and vans).
3. Road alignments and construction practices minimize damage to natural resources, agricultural
land, and private property, and maintain scenic rural quality.
4. Roads are maintained in a useful manner for farm equipment and large trucks.
Objective
A Town road maintenance plan is in place that systematically evaluates road condition. Town
roads are safe and in good condition.
6-2
Transportation
Strategies for Town Road Maintenance and Safety:
1. Continue annual road tours and the PASER evaluation rating system for road maintenance and
project budgeting purposes.
2. Control the costs of road repair, maintenance, snow plowing, and mowing by exploring
partnerships or private services as needed.
3. Maintain roads that can support the weight of farm equipment and explore funding mechanisms
such as road use agreements.
4. Provide information to new residents on the rights of slow moving farm equipment to use roads.
5. Maintain road signage in good repair and make sure it is visible to drivers.
6. Direct the building inspector to enforce the Town of Koshkonong driveway and culvert ordinance
on new construction to ensure safety and emergency service access.
7. Maintain road markings in good condition and encourage other jurisdictions maintaining roads in
the Town to do the same.
8. Participate in Jefferson County bicycle route planning on Town and County roads to determine
the safest routes for bicycles and motorized traffic.
9. Seek State and Federal assistance in emergency road situations.
10. Maintain open communication and share information with surrounding jurisdictions and WisDOT
on road projects and plans.
Objective
Efficient circulation, alternative forms of transportation, and protection of natural resources and
farmland are considered and included in Town of Koshkonong roadway plans and those of
WisDOT or other jurisdictions.
Efficient Road Network Strategies:
1. Require developers to adhere to the street standards in new developments as required by the
Town of Koshkonong Land Division Ordinance using Jefferson County standards.
2. Require through streets to minimize traffic bottlenecks an increase efficiency of road
maintenance.
3. Enact reasonable standards for road width to minimize the land used for roads.
Alternative Transportation Strategies:
1. Improve non-motorized connections between municipalities by encouraging the addition of paved
shoulders to County highways for bicycle and pedestrian use.
2. Enact a policy to require developers to add paved road and street shoulders and off-road
bike/pedestrian routes that link neighborhoods and provide recreation and exercise in new
residential areas in the Town of Koshkonong.
3. Design roads, recreational trails, and facilities to minimize conflicts between different uses such
as bicycles, pedestrians, farm machinery and trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats and boat trailers,
mopeds, and electric vehicles.
4. Develop policies for neighborhood electric vehicles if warranted.
5. Support the expansion of the Glacial River Trail and path and trail recommendations of the Town
of Koshkonong Comprehensive Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan to provide safe connections
between residential areas and to the Glacial River and other bike/pedestrian trails and routes.
6. Participate in the update of the Jefferson County Pedestrianway/Bicycleway Plan to ensure safe
bicycle connections to nearby municipalities.
7. Support programs to educate pedestrians and bicyclists on the safe use of roadways for nonmotorized travel.
6-3
Transportation
Strategies to minimize the impact of transportation route construction on natural resources, farmland, and
private property:
1. Require the building inspector to enforce best management practices for erosion and stormwater
control during road construction.
2. Review road alignments to minimize cut and fill and degradation to surrounding woodlands,
streams, wetlands, and agricultural land.
3. Require road contractors to work with farmers to minimize or repair damage to fields and tile
lines and to maintain access to fields.
4. Develop policies that require road contractors and developers to minimize the footprint of roads
and streets and retain and protect scenic features such as trees, historic buildings, and other
unique landscape elements that do not compromise motorist safety.
5. Make every effort to maintain Town road and field connectivity in the STH 26 and USH 12 bypass design and during construction.
6. Encourage the County and State to replace trees lost during road construction or reconstruction.
7. Maintain existing Rustic Road designations.
6-4
Transportation
Figure 6.1
6-5
Transportation
6.3
Existing Road System
Vehicular roads are the primary transportation network in the Town of Koshkonong, see Figure 6.1. The
Town of Koshkonong has jurisdiction over 69.31 miles of Town Roads. Town road maintenance is
conducted by two full-time Town employees who also plow the Town roads in the winter.
STH 26 is a major car and truck freight artery and connects Koshkonong to Interestate 90 at Janesville
and thus to Chicago and Rockford and points south. STH 26 also intersects Interstate 94 at Johnson
Creek and connects with Interstate 90 at Madison and points west such as LaCrosse, Eau Claire, and
Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hwy 26 by-pass was built through the Town of Koshkonong between 1993
and 1996. STH 89 passes north and south through the Town of Koshkonong, connecting Columbus with
Whitewater. USH 12 crosses the Town from southeast to northwest and connects the Chicago area with
Madison and LaCrosse.
Road Classification in the Town of Koshkonong 2
Class A – Principal Arterial Highways serve interstate and regional trips and serve all urban areas greater
than 5,000 populations. Setbacks must be the most restrictive of 200 feet from road centerline or 100 feet
from public road right-of-way.
 US Hwy 12 from Cambridge Village Limits to Fort Atkinson City Limits
 US Hwy 12/89 from Fort Atkinson City Limits to Whitewater City Limits
 STH 26 from Jefferson City Limits to Fort Atkinson City Limits
 STH 26 from Farmco Street (Fort Atkinson) to Rock County Line
Class B – Minor Arterial Highways work in conjunction with the principal arterials and serve cities, large
communities, and other major traffic generators. Setback requirements are 140 feet from the road
centerline or 70 feet from the public road right-of-way, the more restrictive distance shall apply.
 STH 106 from the Dane County Line to the Fort Atkinson City Limits
 STH 106 from Fort Atkinson City Limits to Palmyra Village
Class C – Major Collector, Minor Collectors and all Other State Highways Not in Class A or B. Major
collectors provide service to moderate sized communities and other intra-area traffic generators and link
to nearby larger population centers or Class A and B routes. Minor collectors collect traffic from local
roads and provide links to smaller communities, local traffic generators, and higher function roads.
Setbacks are 110 feet from the road centerline or 50 feet from the public road right-of-way, whichever is
greater.
 CTH C from the Dane County Line to US Hwy 12
 CTH K from US Hwy 12 south to the Rock County Line
 CTH K from Jefferson City Limits south to STH 26
 CTH M from US Hwy 12 east to CTH N
 CTH N from Jefferson City Limits south to Walworth County Line
Class D – Local highways, town roads and county highways not in Class A, B, or C. Town Roads provide
access to adjacent land and provide for travel over relatively short distances. Setbacks are the greatest
distance of 85 feet from the road centerline or 50 feet from the public road right-of-way.
 All town roads not in subdivisions
6-6
Transportation
Class E – Town Roads in Subdivisions provide access to properties land in subdivisions. The setback
requirements are 63 feet from the road centerline or 30 feet from the public road right-of-way, whichever
is further.
 All subdivision roads
Traffic Volume in the Town of Koshkonong
Traffic counts are reported as the number of vehicles expected to pass a given location on an average day
of the year. This value is called the “annual average daily traffic” or AADT and is represented on traffic
count or traffic volume maps. Table 6.2 shows the changes in traffic counts along several state, county
and town roads in the Town of Koshkonong between the years 2000 and 2006.
The greatest increases in traffic were on Business STH 26 at Hackbarth Road (33.3 percent), CTH M at
USH 12 (33.3 percent), and Hackbarth Road at Summit Drive (17.6 percent). The greatest decreases in
traffic were on CTH K at Star School Road with a decrease of 44.5 percent and on USH 12 just west of
the STH 26 bypass with a decrease of 17.7 percent.
Table 6.2
Location
Roadway Volume 3
2000
USH 12/89 at Hackbarth Road
USH 12 just west of Hwy 26 By-Pass
STH 26 By-pass just north of the Rock River
Business STH 26 at Hackbarth Rd.
Hackbarth Road at Summit Dr.
STH 26 just south of Business 26
STH 89 at north Fort Atkinson City Limit
CTH K at Business 26 north of Fort Atkinson
CTH K at Star School Road
CTH M at US Hwy 12
North Shore Rd. at Burnham Rd.
6900
9000
6700
5700
1700
10,500
4500
1100
1100
1500
660
2006
7900
7400
7800
7600
2100
10,600
4300
1200
610
2000
500
Percent
Change
14.5%
-17.7%
16.4%
33.3%
17.6%
1%
-4.4%
9.1%
-44.5%
33.3%
-26.7%
Traffic Accidents
According to the 2007 Wisconsin Traffic Crash Facts, in Jefferson County, 544 crashes took place on
local roads, 312 on county highways, 614 on state highways, and 178 on I-94 for a total of 1,648
accidents with 19 fatalities, 432 injuries, and 1,197 instances of property damage. In 2005, 1,776 crashes
took place on Jefferson County roads. 4
Crash severity in Jefferson County during 2007 is categorized by type of transportation involved and the
number of crashes that resulted in fatalities, injuries, and property damage in Table 6.3
In the Town of Koshkonong, during 2005, 256 vehicle accidents were reported on the Federal, State, or
County roads. 5 37 percent or 94 accidents involved deer. 5 accidents or 2 percent resulted in fatalities, 53
accidents or 21 percent involved injuries, and the remaining 198 accidents (77 percent) resulted in
property damage. A pedestrian was involved in one accident and no accidents involving bicycles were
reported. Four accidents involved motorcycles. Nineteen accidents were alcohol related (7.4%) including
one fatal accident.
6-7
Transportation
Table 6.3
Jefferson County 2007 Crash Severity
Mode of Transportation Total Crashes Fatalities Injuries
Passenger Vehicles
1,648
19
432
Bicycles
13
0
13
Motorcycle
32
1
28
Pedestrians
14
1
13
School Buses
7
1
1
Deer
323
0
29
Local Street/Roads
543
4
136
County Highway
312
4
79
State Highway
614
8
179
Interstate System
178
3
38
Property Damage
1,197
13
32
0
5
318
404
229
427
137
The roads on which accidents most frequently occurred are listed below by number of accidents. The
intersections at which accidents occurred most frequently and locations of fatal accidents are also listed:
79 accidents (31%) occurred on State Highway 26
70 accidents (27%) occurred on US Hwy 12
32 accidents (12.5%) occurred on State Highway 106
9 accidents (3.5%) occurred on County Road N
7 accidents (2.7%) occurred along County Road K
5 accidents (2%) occurred on County Road M at the intersection with US Hwy 12.
According to Wisconsin Safety Facts – Pedestrians, one pedestrian was killed or injured every 5.8 hours
in 2003. The number of pedestrians killed has decreased by 54 percent since 1980. Most pedestrian
accidents occur between 3 pm and 7 pm on weekdays, which are the hours immediately after school and
during evening rush hour. Street and road crossings are the most likely site of accidents.
6.4
Modes of Transportation
Vehicular roadways are used as the primary transportation network in the Town of Koshkonong. Of the
1,800 workers age 16 and over living in the Town of Koshkonong in 2000, 94.8 percent travel to work by
car, truck or van. Nearly 88 percent of those traveled alone while 12 percent carpooled to work.
Bus Service
Badger Bus serves travelers between Milwaukee and Madison, many of whom are commuters and
students. Buses stop in Lake Mills at the intersection of STH 89 and Interstate 94 upon request and a
regular stop is scheduled at the Johnson Creek Outlet Mall several times daily. Van Galder Bus, in
Janesville at 3120 North Pontiac, provides daily service to Rockford, South Beloit, downtown Chicago,
and O’Hare and Midway Airports. Wisconsin Coachlines Bus Service also provides transportation to
O’Hare and Midway Airports from the same station.
Van Pool
The Wisconsin Department of Administration Van Pool provides alternate transportation for state and
non-state employees commuting to Madison from outside communities. The van pool from Fort
Atkinson stops on Hilltop Drive and continues on to Jefferson and Cambridge and serves the Broom
6-8
Transportation
Street, West Washington, and University Avenue areas of Madison near the State Capitol and the
University of Wisconsin.
Taxi Service
The DOT Ride-Share funded taxi list includes Brown’s Cab Service, Fort Atkinson, which is funded
through federal, state, and city appropriations. The taxis serve the City of Fort Atkinson and the adjacent
areas in the Town of Koshkonong as far south as Pond Road. The taxi service will take customers to
Whitewater and Jefferson as well as Fort Atkinson. Vans are available for persons with disabilities.
Pedestrians and Bicycles
Pedestrians utilize the Glacial River Trail, a paved multi-use trail that stretches from downtown Fort
Atkinson to the Rock County line along an abandoned rail corridor running next to STH 26. No
sidewalks are available in the subdivisions in the Town of Koshkonong. Pedestrians often walk, jog, or
walk their dogs on the road shoulder.
The Town completed a Park and Trail Network Plan in 2001 and a Comprehensive Park and Outdoor
Recreation Plan in 2005. Both plans identify potential pedestrian and bike trail connections between
subdivisions south of Hackbarth Road and Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park, the Joint School District #6 Forest,
and the Glacial River Trail. Other trail connections are proposed from the Mush-Ko-Se-Day and Allen
Creek natural areas to Lake Koshkonong on the west and the Bark River on the East. 6 Additional paved
shoulders were recommended along Koshkonong Mounds Road to connect Indian Mounds Park to the
Glacial River Trail and along Koshkonong Lake Road to connect Jellystone Park to the Glacial River
Trail.
The Town of Koshkonong has required the addition of bike lanes to subdivision streets in three recent
new developments. Maxell Way bike lanes connect Hackbarth Road to the School District Forest. Apple
Trail accommodates bike lanes as well and connects several of the subdivisions south of Hackbarth Road
A bike path along the Twin Knolls subdivision connects residential areas west of Hwy 26 along
Koshkonong Mounds Road to the Glacial River Trail. Aspen Drive bike lanes provide access to MushKo-Se-Day Park where there is a small parking lot.
Slow-moving. Wide Loads, and Farm Equipment
Agriculture is a significant business in the Town of Koshkonong. Slow moving, wide farm equipment
and suburban drivers may be in conflict at times. Farmers use roads to access fields and haul grain to
elevators, particularly in the spring and fall. Though all slow moving vehicles must display a slow
moving vehicle sign, more public education is needed on its significance.
Watercraft, Snowmobiles, All-Terrain Vehicles
Boats are used for recreational and scientific purposes on Lake Koshkonong and the Rock and Bark
Rivers and may include fishing boats, pontoon boats, ski boats, recreational boats, canoes, kayaks, and
personal watercraft (jet skies). The Town provides 5 public lake access points, three in Vinnie Ha Ha and
two on Bingham’s Point. None of these access points have boat landings or launches:
Vinnie Ha Ha
 Adjacent to N971 Vinnie Ha Ha Road
 Indian Mound Street between N1055 and N1059 Vinnie Ha Ha Road
 Indian Trail between N1091 and N1097 Vinnie Ha Ha Road
Bingham’s Point
 A public park with lake access between N519 and N527 Blackhawk Bluff Drive
 Between N309 and N321 South Oxbow Drive – potential cold weather lake rescue staging area
6-9
Transportation
The WDNR maintains a boat ramp at the end of Vinnie Ha Ha Road for Lake Koshkonong access and on
the Rock River at the STH 26 Bridge on Groeler Road. Three municipal boat ramps are available in Fort
Atkinson on the Rock River. A Jefferson County boat and canoe ramp is available at Burnt Village
County Park on Hwy N.
Snowmobile clubs in Jefferson County maintain snowmobile trails. A snowmobile trail runs west of
Carnes Rd., Buckingham Rd., and Hwy 12 from Whitewater to Hebron. Another trail runs from CTH N
near Cold Spring to Lake Koshkonong. Frozen Lake Koshkonong is very attractive to snowmobilers in
the winter. Snowmobile clubs must request permission before marking trails on private property.
All-Terrain Vehicles are used on private property by the property’s owner and on frozen Lake
Koshkonong to access ice fishing shanties. ATV’s are not legally used on roadways.
Aviation
The public use airports serving the Town of Koshkonong are:
 Fort Atkinson Municipal Airport, 3 miles north of Fort Atkinson on Hwy K
 Watertown Municipal Airport, 19 miles north.
 Gutzmer’s Twin Oaks, about 9 miles south on Hwy N near Whitewater
 Palmyra, about 14 miles east.
 Jana, about 17 miles west near Edgerton
 Dane County Regional Airport, 37 miles west in the City of Madison
 Rock County Airport, 26 miles south
 Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport, 57 miles east
 Greater Rockford Airport, about 54 miles south
 Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, 126 miles south
Private landing strips are located at N1496 USH 12 and W6783 Westphal Road.
Wisconsin State Airport System Plan
The State Airport System Plan assesses existing Wisconsin Airports and predicts future usage and
upgrades.
Three airports serve Jefferson County and all are open to the public:
Fort Atkinson Municipal Airport is located about 5 miles north on Hwy K and is classified as a
General Utility airport that accommodates small general aviation single and twin-engine piston
and turbo-prop aircraft. A 3801 ft. x 60 ft. paved runway is available. On average 30 aircraft per
day utilize the airfield. 68 percent of the air traffic is local, 30 percent is transient general
aviation, and 2 percent is air taxi. 15 aircraft are based at the field.
Watertown Municipal Airport is located about 19 miles to the north on the south side of
Watertown. The airport is classified as a Transport/Corporate airport that serves corporate jets,
small passenger and cargo jets used in regional service and small piston and turbo-prop commuter
planes.
Palmyra Municipal Airport, about 12 miles to the east, is classified Basic Utility-B and serves
small single engine piston aircraft for business, charter, recreational, sport, training flights, and
crop dusting.
Railroads
The Union Pacific Railroad operates from Fort Atkinson north. In downtown and south of Fort Atkinson
the Glacial River Trail is located on a former railroad-right-of-way. Railroad transportation of raw
materials, goods, and agricultural products (especially corn, soybeans, and ethanol) is important to the
local economy.
6-10
Transportation
Three railroads serve Jefferson County freight customers:
 Union Pacific runs from Fort Atkinson through Johnson Creek and Watertown to Clyman
Junction in Dodge County. Union Pacific is Class I railroad meaning that it had a 2003 operating
revenue of at least $277.7 million.
 Canadian Pacific (Soo Line) operates from Milwaukee through Watertown to LaCrosse and is a
Class I railroad.
 Wisconsin & Southern operates from Watertown through Waterloo to Madison and also from
Waukesha through Palmyra, Whitewater, and Janesville to Madison. Wisconsin & Southern is a
Regional railroad meaning it operates 350 miles or more of track or has revenues exceeding $40
million.
Rail Passenger Service
Passenger service is available on Amtrak through Columbus in Colombia County on the Empire Builder,
which runs from Milwaukee to Spokane, Washington and Portland, Oregon. From Milwaukee, the
Hiawatha runs to and from Chicago with a stop at General Mitchell International Airport. Chicago Metra
commuter rail is available from Kenosha and Harvard, Illinois.
6.5
Jefferson County Transportation Plans
Jefferson County has a variety of transportation plans in place.
Jefferson County Highway Department
The Jefferson County Highway Department plans county roadwork in five year intervals. The following
projects are projected in the near future in the Town of Koshkonong:
 Redesign of the intersection of Hwy K and Star School Road.
Jefferson County Bikeway/Pedestrianway Plan, 1996
The Jefferson County Bikeway/Pedestrianway Plan details methods to increase bicycle and pedestrian
modes of travel and to improve user safety. This plan identifies bicycle and pedestrian routes within
Jefferson County and its communities and recommends links between them. It also provides detailed
bike and pedestrian plans for several cities and villages, lists improvements to existing routes, and
recommends new off-road routes, signage and marking, route promotion, and education.
Since the approval of the plan, thirty miles of County road shoulders have been paved, bike route maps
produced, and bike route signage installed on all routes. Cities are implementing the plan as well. The
plan is in the process of being updated at this writing.
Roadways Suitable for Shared Bicycle/Motor Vehicle Use in the Town of Koshkonong
 South Main Street to Easterly Avenue to Poepple, McIntyre, and McMillen Roads – a designated
bicycle route between Fort Atkinson and Whitewater on a low-volume roadway. A multi-use
trail is recommended through the School District Forest to connect South Main Street to
Easterly Ave.
 Curtis Mill Road
 Hoard Road west of the Hwy 26 By-Pass
 Bark River Road
 Banker Road
 Hackbarth Road – paved shoulders recommended
 CTH K south of Fort Atkinson
6-11
Transportation
Roadway May be Suitable Depending on Cyclists Skills Operating with Motor Vehicle Traffic
 STH 106 west of Fort Atkinson – paved shoulders recommended
Multi-Use Trail Separated from Roadway, crushed gravel or paved
 Glacial River Trail – continue trail north of Fort Atkinson to Jefferson recommended
Roadways Not Recommended as Bicycle Route in Current Condition
 US Hwy 12/89 south of Fort Atkinson
 US Hwy 12 west of Fort Atkinson
 Hwy 26
 Hwy 106 east of Fort Atkinson – paved shoulders recommended
 CTH N – paved shoulders south of Bark River Road recommended
 CTH C
 CTH K north of Fort Atkinson – paved shoulders recommended
6.6
State of Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Transportation Plans
Wisconsin State Highway 2020 Plan, 1999
The State Highway Plan emphasizes pavement and bridge preservation, traffic movement, and safety for
the Sate Trunk Highway System. Goals of the plan are economic development and environmental
protection. Travel has increased by 60 percent since 1982, according to the Plan. Vehicle miles are
expected to increase at an average rate of 1.5 percent annually through 2020. Traffic growth seems to be
slowing compared to the 3.9 percent annual increase between 1970 and 1997.
Wisconsin DOT Southwest Planning Region 2006-2011 Six Year Highway Improvement Project
The Town of Koshkonong is in the DOT Southwest Planning Region along with the following counties:
Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, La Crosse, LaFayette,
Monroe, Richland, Rock, Sauk, and Vernon. The six year plan for this region includes the following
projects in the Town of Koshkonong 7:


2010-2011 – Reconstruct STH 26 Fort Atkinson by-pass from two lanes to four lanes. In the
Town of Koshkonong two southbound lanes and a median strip will be added to the STH 26 bypass of Fort Atkinson. Bridges will be constructed at Hoard Road and Banker Road.
2012-2014 – Expand 10 miles of STH 26 to four lanes in the current corridor from the north
Milton interchange to the south Fort Atkinson interchange.
US Highway 12 Corridor Study at Fort Atkinson
US Highway 12 crosses 11 states on its way from Detroit, Michigan to Aberdeen, Washington. It is
classified as a Corridors 2020 Connector Highway, which means it has been designated as a highly
important roadway to the state of Wisconsin and has been selected to receive funding for improvements.
USH 12 is expected to carry regionally oriented traffic (i.e. motorists with no purpose other than to pass
through Fort Atkinson) and also act as a local street for city residents and others. 8
Several alternate routes of the US Hwy 12 by-pass of Fort Atkinson have been presented to the public and
the Friends of Koshknong was formed to oppose routes through the Town of Koshkonong. The final
route and construction date are uncertain.
6-12
Transportation
STH 26 Corridor Project
Initial construction of the STH 26 bypasses started in 2008 around Jefferson. The project will increase
the width of STH 26 to four lanes from the south side of Fort Atkinson to the north side of Watertown,
including the addition of two lanes to the Fort Atkinson by-pass and building by-passes around Jefferson,
Watertown, and Milton. The Koshkonong portion of the project is expected to begin with bypass work in
2010 and then adding two lands from Milton to Fort Atkinson in 2011.
This major road construction project may impact the Town of Koshkonong by adding two lanes to the
STH 26 Fort Atkinson by-pass and may increase traffic to and through Jefferson County and shorten
commuter times from the Town to other cities in Jefferson County, Dodge County, and Janesville and
Milton in Rock County. Jefferson County is working with the WDOT to add off-road bike lanes to the
Hwy 26 right-of-way from Jefferson to Watertown.
Wisconsin Bicycle Transportation Plan 2020
The vision statement for this plan is “To establish
bicycling as a viable, convenient and safe transportation
choice throughout Wisconsin”. The primary goals of the
plan are to increase levels of bicycling throughout
Wisconsin; doubling the number of trips made by bicycle
by 2010 and to reduce the number of crashes involving
bicycles and motor vehicles by at least 10 percent by 2010.
WisDOT is responsible for implementing the plan on the
State Trunk Highway System and has an education and
enforcement program.
Creamery Road, a Rustic Road.
Rustic Roads Program
The Town of Koshkonong has been participating in the Rustic Road program and has three designated
Rustic Roads. The WisDOT Rustic Road program helps citizens and local governments preserve scenic
and lightly traveled country roads. Rustic roads should have outstanding natural features along its borders
such as rugged terrain, native vegetation, native wildlife, or include open areas with agricultural vistas,
which singly or in combination uniquely set this road apart from other roads.
The road should be a lightly traveled local access road, one which serves the adjacent property owners
and those wishing to travel by auto, bicycle, or hiking for purposes of recreational enjoyment of its rustic
features. Roads that are considered should not be scheduled nor anticipated for major improvements
which would change its rustic characteristics and the road should have, preferably, a minimum length of 2
miles and, where feasible, should provide a completed closure or loop, or connect to major highways at
both ends of the route.
The Rustic Roads designation is advisory only and the Town may make improvements to the roads or
withdraw from the program entirely.
Rustic Road designation requires that residents along the road sign a petition and that local government
passes a resolution in favor of the rustic road. There are three Rustic Roads in the Town of Koshkonong
and these are the only designated Rustic Roads in the County.
The Town of Koshkonong Rustic Roads are:
 Rustic Road 84 (2.2 miles) along Bark River Road from Rock River Road to CTH N
 Rustic Road 87 (6.8 miles) between Hwy 26 and Hwy 12 along Pond Road, Poeppel Road,
McIntyre Road, and Creamery Road
 Rustic Road 88 (3.5 miles) along Cold Spring Road from Carnes Road to Hwy 12.
6-13
Transportation
6.7
Federal and State of Wisconsin Transportation Funding
SAFETEA
SAFETEA - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act was signed into law on
August 10, 2005. The six-year act authorizes federal highway and transit spending to $286.5 billion.
Wisconsin's anticipated highway share will average about $712 million per year through federal fiscal
year 2009. Transit funding for Wisconsin is expected to average $60.8 million annually. In the Town of
Koshkonong area, $240,000 was received to complete the Glacial River Trail.
Transportation Enhancement Program
Transportation enhancements (TE) are transportation-related activities that strengthen cultural, aesthetic,
and environmental aspects of transportation systems. Projects can include bike and pedestrian facilities,
landscaping and scenic beautification, mitigation of water pollution from highway runoff, and restoration
of historic transportation facilities.
1
Vesperman, Mark. Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Quoted in the Daily Jefferson County Union.
October 24, 2008.
2
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Facilities Development Manual, Procedure 4-1-15 and Jefferson County
Zoning Department.
3
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 2000 and 2004 Jefferson County Annual Average Daily Traffic.
4
Wisconsin Department of Transportation. 2005 Crash Statistics with Comparisons to Prior Years.
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/traffic/crash/final-county.htm
5
UW Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory. March 16, 2006. Data provided by the Jefferson County Land
Information Department.
6
Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan. 2005. Town of Koshkonong Board of
Supervisors.
7
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Southwest District. February 1, 2006. Wisconsin 2006-2011 Six Year
Highway Improvement Program. http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/state/sixyear/docs/swrlisting.pdf
8
Wisconsin Department of Transportation. US 12 Corridor Study at Fort Atkinson.
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/d1/us12fort/index.htm
6-14
Transportation
Chapter 7
7.1
Land Use and Housing
Land Use and Housing Overview
The Land Use and Housing Chapter guides the future development and preservation of public and private
property. Good land use planning considers how a particular land use may impact transportation,
community services, natural resources, drainage, farming, and community identity. The Town of
Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan designates appropriate locations for the variety of land uses
that take place.
This chapter provides land use goals, objectives, and strategies and information on current land use
patterns, trends, and appropriate soil types for a variety of uses. This information should be used by the
Town Board and Planning Commission when making rezoning and land use decisions.
The Town of Koshkonong has approved the Jefferson Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan and
the Jefferson County land division ordinances allow for a limited number of A-3 rural residential lots.
The Jefferson County Zoning Department estimates that there are approximately 539 splits that
could be rezoned into one or two acre A-3 (Rural Residential) lots in the Town of Koshkonong.
The Town would like to provide an alternative to new lots on farmland and plans to pursue an infill area,
called the Future Growth Area, within the mapped Koshkonong Sanitary District #1 for R-2 unsewered
residential lots at least 30,000 square feet in size. Within the infill area, new housing would be clustered
adjacent to existing housing developments in areas suitable for private septic systems. The Town plans to
update its land division ordinances to allow conservation subdivisions that are compatible with the
existing residential areas, recreational activities and trails, and the farming that occurs in the infill area.
A transfer of development rights (TDR) program may be pursued to facilitate moving lots from rural
farming areas to an infill area.
Housing goals are also included
in this chapter. The Town of
Koshkonong makes land use
decisions based on the Jefferson
County Agricultural
Preservation and Land Use
Plan and County zoning
ordinances and does not have
any influence over the size or
cost of new single family
homes. Though some twofamily and multi-family
dwellings exist in the Town,
most homes are single family.
Some parcels along Lake
Koshkonong and Koshkonong
Mounds Golf Course were
previously rezoned allow
condominiums.
Figure 7.1
Agriculture and natural
7-1
resources are important to the residents of the Town of Koshkonong. The Town will continue to preserve
farmland through the Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan and Zoning
Ordinances but may be more restrictive in approving A-3 residential lot splits in order to protect more
farmland from incompatible development.
Pristine natural resources such as Allen Creek deserve additional protection. The Town of Koshkonong
has experienced unprecedented flooding in recent years as well. Through this plan the Town will enact a
75 ft. buffer requirement from the high water mark of rivers, streams, and wetlands, which adds an
additional layer of protection.
Open Space
Residents at public input sessions said that they appreciate the “open space” in the Town of Koshkonong.
They referred to the agricultural character of the Town, the wetlands, woodlands, waterways, natural
areas, groundwater recharge areas, and recreation that requires “open space” such as hunting, hiking,
enjoying nature, enjoying parks, and restoring native habitat. In general they appreciate the areas without
development. In this Comprehensive Land Use Plan it is understood that most of the land in the Town is
privately owned and managed and this plan will respect the rights of all private land owners.
Figure 7.1 shows the relationship of the Town of Koshkonong to the current boundaries of the City of
Fort Atkinson and the Urban Service Area adopted by Fort Atkinson in 2008. The urban service area is
located outside city boundaries and is an area designated for future higher density residential and
commercial development, non-agricultural related businesses, and industrial use where public
utilities will be available. Multi-family housing and dense housing such as condominiums are better
suited to incorporated areas with public sewer and water and other municipal services. The urban service
area remains under Jefferson County zoning and Town land division ordinances until land is annexed to
the City of Fort Atkinson. The City of Fort Atkinson has extra-territorial plat review within that area and
1.5 miles outside the city limits.
The following Land Use and Housing Strategies were suggested at public input meetings:
 Protect productive farmland, especially prime agricultural, soils from changes in use.
 Support the Jefferson County Farmland Conservation Easement Program, the purchase of
agricultural conservation easements (PACE), and local land trusts.
 Investigate the transfer of development rights within a farm, between farms, and between farms
and infill areas.
 Cluster homes on non-tillable land.
 Guide development to existing R-2 zoned lots first.
 Create infill areas with sustainable features between STH 26 and Lake Koshkonong to avoid land
consumption.
 Provide a variety of lots – high end conservation sub-division/recreational lots and less expensive
rural lots.
 Encourage of a diversity of single family home types.
 Restrict new construction in a buffer area around environmental corridors – ¼ to ½ mile.
 Utilize the GFLOW ground and surface water model to make planning decisions.
 Blend the housing clusters in with the surroundings by planting native plant communities and
trees and allowing farming of some parcels.
 Limit development to areas served by sanitary sewer.
 Guide dense development and multi-family development to the City of Fort Atkinson.
7-2
7.2
Land Use and Housing Goals, Objectives and Design Standards
The following goals, objectives and strategies are the basis for the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive
Land Use Plan and refer to the Town of Koshkonong Land Use Plan map, Figure 7.2 on page 7-7.
Goals
1. The Town of Koshkonong retains its rural character and the agricultural landscape.
2. Residential and commercial growth in the Town of Koshkonong is orderly, located in appropriate
areas, and respects the rural and farming heritage of the Town.
3. The Town of Koshkonong maintains policies that allow a variety of housing types and a range of
housing affordability.
Objective
Town of Koshkonong land use policies maintain large blocks of agricultural land where farmers
can operate efficiently and that maintain rural character.
Farmland Preservation and Zoning Strategies
1. One (1) residential split may be considered in the A-1 zone for parcels 10 acres or less in size and the
split must be rezoned (that is parcels 10 acres in size or less that are not contiguous with other land
under the same ownership). In all other instances, the Town will follow Jefferson County re-zoning
policies.
2. Implement site plan review for placement of residences, driveways, and auxiliary structures in
locations that minimize impact on prime agricultural land, natural resources, flood plains and
wetlands, neighboring residents, and Town services.
3. Protect farm operations from conflicts with incompatible uses when considering re-zoning petitions.
4. Educate landowners on the benefits of voluntary donated and paid agricultural conservation easement
programs (PACE) administered by the County and land trusts. Provide information on these programs
at the Town Hall and at Town Board and Planning Commission meetings.
5. Enact applicable recommendations and programs of the State Working Lands Initiative.
6. Participate in the Jefferson County Farmland Conservation Easement Commission.
7. Consider farm vehicle patterns when designating residential areas.
8. Identify and map already zoned R-2, A-3, and R/R residential lots to create an inventory of available
lots. Encourage development of these lots before new re-zoning.
9. Develop a transfer of development rights program to cluster lots on non-prime soils in the general
vicinity of the parent parcel, perhaps grouping lots from a number of farmers.
10. Develop a transfer of development rights program to move lots from a rural sending area to an infill
receiving area in order to maintain the same number of lots as were available in 2009. Consider
enacting policies that would require a developer to purchase development rights to rural lots as a
condition of receiving R-2 zoning in an infill area.
Objective
Designate an infill zone called the Town of Koshkonong Future Growth Area and an adjacent
potential growth expansion area on appropriate parcels within the mapped Koshkonong Sanitary
District #1 and along the west side of STH 26.
Infill Strategies
1. Allow land divisions within delineated Town of Koshkonong Future Growth Areas that conform
to the Jefferson County and Town of Koshkonong agricultural preservation policies.
2. Maintain Jefferson County and Town of Koshkonong agricultural preservation policies for land
within the Town of Koshkonong Future Growth Area until the land is appropriately rezoned for
7-3
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
infill uses on private septic systems and wells or a negotiated boundary agreement redefining the
Growth Area is entered into between the incorporated municipality and the Town.
Develop staging or phasing plans for the expansion of public facilities and development within
Town of Koshkonong Future Growth Areas.
Residential and commercial development may be considered in the Future Growth Area
Expansion Zone if land is not available in the Future Growth Area. All Town and County zoning
ordinances shall apply.
Situate new housing developments adjacent to existing developments.
Promote mixed-use conservation-type developments in Town of Koshkonong Future Growth
Areas that preserve large areas of open space, farmland, or natural areas and provide off-road
pedestrian and bicycle paths for alternative means of transportation.
Buffer housing and commercial developments from incompatible and conflicting land uses.
Require buffers between working farmland and residential and commercial developments.
Develop policies for sub-division designs that reflect and respect the natural, agricultural, and
cultural character of the Town of Koshkonong, such as a conservation subdivision ordinance.
Consider planning for compatible commercial development in Town of Koshknong Future
Growth Areas such as businesses that serve recreation, bed-and-breakfast inns, and small
groceries, specialty shops, or restaurants that have low-impact septic systems.
Business clusters have developed at the intersection of STH 106 and STH 26 and on STH 106
near CTH N and Digistar east of Fort Atkinson, Figure 7.2. Compatible business development
with private septic systems and wells on appropriate soils may be considered in these areas.
Town and County zoning ordinances apply.
Require (through boundary agreements) sub-division road alignments within the Town and City
Growth Areas that connect efficiently with existing road networks and that have more than one
entrance and through streets.
Enact policies to provide direct vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian connections between
neighborhoods and adjacent sub-divisions to minimize vehicular use and congestion and to
promote bicycling and walking paths on marked and/or off-road paths.
Participate in boundary agreements with adjacent municipalities when beneficial to the Town to
address annexation and development issues within delineated urban service areas.
Objective
Protect environmental corridors from development and associated run-off and protect new
construction from flooding.
Environmental Corridor Overlay Zone
Follow Jefferson County Zoning for the Environmental Corridor Overlay Zone with the following
additional conditions:
1. A 75 ft. setback for buildings from navigable waters is required by the Jefferson County Zoning
Ordinance and a 35 ft. setback is required for decks or screen houses with the requirement of a
native plant buffer.
2. Enact policies that require new construction to have a 75 ft. horizontal and a 2 ft. vertical distance
setback from wetlands
3. Allow no construction on slopes greater than 15 percent.
4. Institute site plan review for new construction. For properties adjacent to rivers, lakes, ponds, or
wetlands require a sketch to receive a building permit that includes the water body or wetland, 2
foot contour lines, and the location of the new construction or addition.
5. Cluster lots at the edge of woodlands to protect larger areas of unbroken woods.
7-4
Objective
A range of housing types and affordability are available in the Town of Koshkonong or
surrounding area.
Housing Variety Strategies within the Town of Koshkonong
1. Enforce the Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance that states that only farm related residences may
be located on A-1 zoned land.
2. Farm employee housing is allowed in the Town as directed by the Jefferson County Zoning
Ordinance.
3. The Town of Koshonong maintains a land division ordinance that allows a variety of home sizes
within the Town and Future Growth Areas.
4. Have information on affordable housing programs available at the Town Hall.
5. Encourage re-use and maintenance of existing and historic buildings for housing and have
information on cost-sharing programs available at the Town Hall.
6. Encourage and allow architectural innovation and construction of green, sustainable, and energy
efficient housing.
7. Encourage volunteers or students to develop a design toolbox that educates homeowners and
developers on the cultural, agricultural, and natural history of the Town of Koshkonong and
provides information on historical development patterns, local building styles, construction
techniques, and local sustainable building materials that can be used to create distinctive homes
and buildings that complement the landscape.
Housing Variety Strategies for the Surrounding Area
1. Foster a wide range of housing choices within the Town of Koshkonong, Fort Atkinson and
Whitewater Growth Areas through revenue sharing and boundary agreements when beneficial.
2. Direct mobile housing and multi-family developments to Fort Atkinson and Whitewater city
growth areas were city utilities and services are provided.
3. To the extent possible, encourage the Cities of Fort Atkinson and Whitewater to provide a variety
of senior and assisted living options in the City Growth Areas with access to City and County
health services, amenities, recreation, and transportation.
Design Standards
Within the General Rural Development Principles of the 1999 Town of Koshkonong Land Use Plan,
design standards were developed for the placement of buildings, houses, roadways and driveways. Most
of the original design standards are now adopted with the 2010-2035 Town of Koshkonong
Comprehensive Land Use Plan with the exception of driveway guidelines. A new driveway ordinance is
recommended in Chapter 9 Implementation.
All petitioners for rezoning and building permits should be provided with these design standards. It is
recognized that not all these standards may be achievable in every lot. For this reason, each application
shall be carefully considered and waivers shall be granted where appropriate.
1. Maximum total lot disturbance, fifty percent of lot area or 25,000 square feet, whichever is less.
Site disturbance shall include all areas disturbed for the purpose of constructing buildings and
structures as well as all graded areas and lawns. The total shall include disturbed areas both
inside and outside the building envelope.
2. Building envelopes shall be selected that do not permit roof lines to protrude above the crestline
of hilltops.
7-5
3. Building envelopes shall be located on the edges of fields.
4. Building envelopes shall not include heavily treed areas or be within 75 feet of wetlands, streams
and rivers, and floodplains.
5. Building envelopes shall not include areas with slopes in excess of 15 percent.
6. Roadways shall follow existing contours to minimize the extent of cuts and fills.
7. Roadways shall follow existing linear site features such as existing access roads, tree lines, and
fence rows to minimize the visual impact of the roadway
8. Roadways shall not be located in open fields.
9. Existing natural drainage ways shall be retained.
10. Where stormwater management facilities are required, they shall be designed in as small an area
as possible.
11. All drainage basins shall require landscaping plans. The basins shall resemble natural ponds to
the maximum extent practical.
12. Drainage basin landscaping materials that enhance wildlife habitat shall be selected.
13. Existing vegetation shall be preserved in areas where disturbance is not necessary outside the
building envelope.
14. Where landscaping is proposed, native species shall be incorporated in the design.
15. Where building envelopes are located in woodlands, a treed area of at least 30 feet between the
building envelope and the common drive or roadway shall be retrained.
16. On property bordering lakes, streams, or other large water bodies, not more than 25 linear feet of
shoreline per lot shall be disturbed. This includes docks, piers, and beach areas.
7-6
7-7
7.3
Town of Koshkonong Future Growth Areas
The Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan lists specific requirements for the
designation of infill or future growth
Figure 7.3
areas.
Limited Urban Service Areas
The Koshkonong Sanitary District #1,
Figure 7.3, is one of ten limited urban
service areas listed in the County plan.
The Sanitary District was formed to
address environmental concerns over
failing private systems but is now
dormant and there are no plans to
provide public sewer and/or water
service to this area.
The Sanitary District includes R-2
Unsewered Residential areas along
Lake Koshkonong with year-round
and vacation homes that were rezoned
to prior to the 1999 County plan.
Koshkonong Mounds Country Club,
Jefferson County’s Indian Mounds
Park, Jellystone Campground, Town
lake access points, the Glacial River Trail, a WDNR boat ramp, and a WDNR Wildlife Area contribute to
recreational nature of this area. The remainder of the land is farmed, wetland, or wooded. Most of the
parcels that are not residential or recreational are zoned A-1 Agriculture.
Over the years several subdivision proposals have been received by the Koshkonong Town Board and the
Jefferson County Zoning Committee for properties within the Sanitary District. These proposals have
been denied based on the current Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance. The Town of Koshkonong is
designating the Sanitary District as a Future Growth Area where infill may be considered. The Town
would like to cluster new residential development adjacent to existing development and develop a transfer
of development rights program (TDR) through which rural landowners could transfer lots from farmland
to the infill area in some manner.
The following rezoning requirements from A-1 to an area of higher residential density suited for
infill due to the development pattern are from the Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and
Land Use Plan:
1. Criteria
 Rezoned land should be within the growth boundaries or an area of existing higher density
designated by an approved town plan.
 Land proposed for rezoning should have direct access to a public road.
 Access to land proposed for rezoning should not divide farm fields or create parcels that are either
difficult or noneconomic to continue in farming. Subsequent development will not adversely
impact agricultural production on nearby or adjoining properties.
 Soil conditions on land to be rezoned should be suitable for private septic systems.
 Consistency with adopted Town Land Use Plans.
7-8
2. Prepare development or land use plans that show phased expansion areas and establish town
development policies. Jefferson County Zoning Committee will consider town plans when reviewing
zoning petitions in these areas.
3. Land proposed for nonagricultural development under single ownership should have a comprehensive
site development plan showing long range use and conceptual site plan for the entire ownership parcel.
4. Minimum lot sizes for unsewered lots must be at least 30,000 sq. ft.
A total of 137 acres within Koshkonong Sanitary District #1 are suitable for unsewered residential
development. The parcels with black hatching in Figures 7.4 – 7.6, have suitable soils for private septic
systems and frontage on Town roads. The parcels are currently zoned A-1 agricultural and most are
farmed. Most of the land within these parcels is considered “prime” for agriculture. The Town Planning
Commission and the Town Board of Supervisors will consider re-zoning requests for these parcels on a
case by case basis. The Expansion Area for the Future Growth Area covers 167 acres.
Town of Koshkonong Future Growth Area Expansion
The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors can amend growth area boundaries upon recommendation of
the Zoning and Planning Committee and the municipality or sanitary district.
Businesses have
historically been located
along Old 26 Road, which
runs parallel to STH 26.
Today the Glacial River
Trail runs between the two
roads. Some of this area
may change with the
expansion of STH 26 to
four lanes.
Figure 7.4
The Future Growth Area
Expansion is identified in
Figure 7.4 in pink hatching.
This area seems suitable to
small business development
to serve the residents of the
Town of Koshkonong,
users of the Glacial River
Trail, summer visitors, and
people enjoying the
outdoors for fishing,
boating, hunting, hiking,
golf, and other recreational
pursuits.
The Town will develop
criteria for selecting
businesses that may be
7-9
suitable for this area, that are compatible with the existing land uses and neighbors, and that can operate
with a private septic system and well on appropriate soils. Not all soils in this area may be suitable for
development.
The following procedure must be followed to expand the Future Growth Area:
1. Request an urban service area amendment from the Jefferson County Zoning Committee and County
Board.
2. Demonstrate lack of adequate land available for development in the existing urban service area based
on the following:
 Unsuitability of land in the existing urban service area for development based on poor soil
conditions, drainage or other physical impediment to development.
 Lack of feasibility and/or high cost to extending public sanitary service or other public services.
 Lack of sufficient land suitable for development on the market at competitive prices.
3. In reviewing requests for urban service area expansions the Jefferson County Zoning and Planning
Committee and County Board shall take into consideration efforts to establish a boundary agreement
and implement a phased growth plan.
Potential Businesses
Businesses that are complementary to the nature of the area, such as bed and breakfast establishments,
businesses that serve recreation, and small restaurants or shops that can maintain private septic systems
and wells may be considered.
Transfer of Development Rights
The Town will pursue a transfer of development rights program so that that the net number of lots
available in the Town will not be increased with the designation of an infill area.
Conservation Subdivision Ordinance
The Town plans to enact a conservation design subdivision ordinance for this area in order to:
 Complement the rural and recreation nature of this area
 Maintain groundwater infiltration areas and natural resources
 Enable connecting residential and recreational areas with trails
 Buffer continuing agricultural production.
7-10
Figure 7.5
Figure 7.6
7-11
7.4 Agricultural Preservation
Programs for the preservation of working lands are in place or
proposed by Jefferson County and the State of Wisconsin.
Jefferson County has a certified Agricultural Preservation Plan that
enables landowners to apply for state income tax credits in
exchange for maintaining agricultural use and zoning on their land.
The Jefferson County Farmland Conservation Easement
Commission is accepting donated easements and had its first round
of applications for the purchase of agricultural conservation
Agriculture must co-exist with multiple
easements in the fall of 2009. The Wisconsin Working Lands
land uses.
Initiative expects to have a matching grant program operational in
2010. Several land trust operate in the Jefferson County area that accept donated easements and
occasionally purchase easements when funding allows. Voluntary agricultural conservation easements
protect land from development in perpetuity.
When all the available lots on a property are rezoned out of A-1 agricultural, Jefferson County requires
landowners to sign an affidavit that says the landowner understands that there are no more development
rights available. These parcels are then marked “frozen” on the zoning map and are not available for
development. To date, 30,228 acres have been frozen by farm consolidation (splitting off the existing
farm buildings from the farmland), deed transfer, rezoning, and variance.
7.5 Land Use Patterns and Trends
The Town of Koshkonong covers a total of 30, 951 acres. Figure 7.7 depicts the relative proportion of
different land uses in the Town of Koshkonong and is based on Jefferson County Land Information
Department 2000 data.
Agricultural land is the predominant land use in the Town
of Koshkonong at almost 60 percent of the land area or
18,595 acres. Natural resource areas, parks, and water
bodies covered 9,235 acres. Nearly 89 percent of the
Town of Koshkonong is farmland, natural areas, water, or
parks. The remaining 11 percent of the land area is
residential, industrial, institutional, and right-of-way.
A new housing development in the Town of
Koshkonong.
When considering acreage devoted to housing, 5.5 percent
of the total land area or 1,701 acres was utilized for
residential areas in the year 2000. Single family housing accounted for 1,473 acres, which is nearly 87
percent of all land devoted to residential housing. Multi-family, mobile homes, and two family residences
together used 26 acres or 1.5 percent of the land. In 2000, vacant residential lots under 5 acres in size
consume 206 acres. More recent land use figures are not available.
Residential lots are scattered in the countryside (A-3 Rural Residential zoning) and clustered in R-2
zoning (Residential Unsewered). R-2 lots were generally re-zoned prior to the 1999 Jefferson County
Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan. The clustered R-2 zones are primarily located along Lake
Koshkonong and just south of Hackbarth Road. Smaller clusters are located at the intersection of
STH 106 and CTH N and in some outlying areas.
7-12
Existing land uses are mapped in Figure 7.9. Table 7.8 breaks down each land use into its components on
an acreage basis.
Figure 7.7
Retail and Commercial, 0.1%
Industrial, manufacturing,
agricultural industry, 0.2%
Vacant Residential Lots,
0.7%
Parks, 0.8%
Institutional and Government,
0.1%
Upland Woods, 1.7%
Right of W ay, 4.4%
Utilities and Communications,
0.0%
Residential, 5.0%
Surface Water, 11.7%
Agriculture and Farm
Buildings, 59.8%
Wetland, 15.6%
Table 7.8
Land Use Type
Acres
Percent of
Land Area
Agricultural Crop Land
Farm Buildings
Ag Commercial
Rural Uncultivated
Agricultural
17,116
86
17
1376
18,595
60.08%
Wetland
Surface Water
Upland Woods
Parks
Natural Areas
4847
3604
522
262
9,235
29.84%
Multi-Family
Mobile Home
Single Family
Two Family
Vacant Lots Under 5 Acres
Residential Areas
15
7
1473
4
206
1,701
5.50%
43
0.14%
Commercial
Communications and Utilities
Town Hall
Cemeteries
Right-of-Way
Churches
Community Facilities
TOTAL ACRES
7-13
5
5
1
1356
10
1,377
30,951
4.45%
100.00%
Figure 7.9
7-14
Land Division Patterns and Lots Available
There are about 3,470 land parcels in the Town and one owner may have several parcels. The smallest
parcels, less than 6 acres in size, are scattered throughout the Town. 40 acres is the standard land division
parcel size dating from the original land surveys and government land grants in the 1830’s. Most farms
are made up of groups of 40 acre parcels. Over 70 percent of the parcels in the Town are less than 35
acres in size.
Assuming that large parcels over 35 acres in size are generally in agriculture or natural resources, it
appears that there is a concentration agricultural or open land east of Hwy 12 and south of Hwy M and
south of Hoge Road between Hwy K and Hwy 12. A group of large parcels west of the Hwy 26 by-pass
along the Rock River is a mixture of WDNR wetlands, hunting clubs, and agricultural land.
The Jefferson County Zoning Department conducted an analysis in December 2006 on the number of
potential lots that could be split off from parent parcels, according to the existing Jefferson County Land
Division Ordinance. As of 2006, there were approximately 539 splits that could be rezoned into 1 or
2 acre A-3 (Rural Residential) lots in the Town of Koshkonong.
The analysis took into account prior splits from the parent parcel, prime agricultural land, and
environmental corridors. Existing R-2 Residential Unsewered parcels, potential farm consolidations
(splitting off the farmstead from the parent parcel) and the potential for subdivisions within the Fort
Atkinson Urban Service Area were not included in the analysis, therefore more lots could be available
than this study shows.
Between the years 2000 and 2006, 39 lots were created under Jefferson County zoning rules or about 6 or
7 lots a year. At this rate of land division there is about a 50 or 60 year supply of lots in the Town of
Koshkonong.
Table 7.10
Parcel Size
Number of
Parcels
Number of
Acres in Size
Category
7.6
<6 acres
6 acres – 35
acres
35 -80 acres
80-160 acres
160-320
acres
>320 acres
2443
622
380
26
0
1
2700
11,520
16,105
2804
0
451
Housing Trends
The Town of Koshkonong had a total of 1,396 housing units (see Table 7.11) at a density of 33.8 housing
units per square mile in 2000.1 Jefferson County had an average of 54 housing units per square mile. 2 In
the Town, 87.9 percent of those housing units were occupied and 12.1 percent were vacant. Of the vacant
units, 9.9 percent were for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use.
Owners occupied 1,060 units or 76.9 percent. There were 189 rental units in 2000 or 13.5 percent of all
housing units. The vast majority of housing units, 1,277 homes, or 90 percent, were single family homes
or townhouses. Duplexes accounted for 48 units or 3.4 percent, there were 63 apartment units or 4.5
percent, and 45 mobile homes or 3.2 percent of all housing units. Single family housing continues to be
the predominant form of housing built in the Town of Koshkonong. As the population ages there may be
more requests for duplexes or “mother-in-law” apartments for family housing.
7-15
As of 2000, 74.3 percent of the housing units were built before 1979 and 25.7 percent were built between
1980 and 2000, see Table 7.12. Recent new housing unit starts have averaged 23 per year. Table 7.13
shows the number of new housing units for each year from 2000 through 2007 and number of units
removed each year. Housing units may be removed due to fire or other destruction, annexation, or
removed from Blackhawk Island in the flood buy-out program. Over 30 new units were built in 2004 and
2005. The least number of homes built was in 2008 during a downturn in the economy.
Table 7.11 Units in Housing Structure
Number
Total:
1, detached
1, attached
2
3 or 4
1,396
1,235
42
48
0
5 to 9
10 to 19
20 to 49
50 or more
Mobile home
Boat, RV, van, etc.
0
12
7
7
45
0
Table 7.12 Year Housing Structure Built
Number
Total:
Built 1999 to March 2000
Built 1995 to 1998
Built 1990 to 1994
Built 1980 to 1989
Built 1970 to 1979
Built 1960 to 1969
Built 1950 to 1959
Built 1940 to 1949
Built 1939 or earlier
1,396
21
127
77
135
346
173
197
54
266
U.S. Census
Bureau
Census 2000
Table 7.13 Net Addition of Housing Units
Year
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Single
Family
Homes
23
26
19
23
34
32
18
21
11
Duplex
Units
Apart ment
Units
6
Mobile
Homes
Added
1
2
3
2
7-16
Single
Family
Homes
Removed
2
2
3
3
2
1
Mobile
Homes
Removed
2
1
1
1
1
Units
Removed
2
1
2
Net
Housing
Unit
Addition
25
23
17
19
32
33
N/A
N/A
N/A
In 2000, the median value of 841 total owner occupied housing units the Town of Koshkonong was
$146,100 with 374 homes valued between $100,000 and $149,999 and 237 valued between $200,000 and
$299,999. 3 In the first quarter of 2009 the median home sale price in Jefferson County was $158,700, a
decrease of 7 percent from the first quarter of 2008 but an increase of 63 percent over the first quarter of
1997. The US median value was $181,800 in 2007 according to the 2005-2007 U.S. Community Survey.
7.7
Physical Properties of Land That Influence Use
Land use possibilities depend to a great extent on existing physical and soil conditions. The Soil Survey
of Jefferson County maps all soil types and assesses the limitations and capabilities of soils to support
various human activities and natural functions. Soil limitations for various uses can be slight, moderate
or severe.
Some soils are more productive than others and Jefferson County has defined these as “prime”. Prime
soils are precious for our supply of food, fiber, and fuel. Development is most easily accomplished at the
least financial cost and environmental damage on soils with slight and moderate limitations for septic
systems and road and building construction. Sometimes the prime agricultural soils also have the least
limitations for construction. The soils in the Town of Koshkonong are very diverse and range from sandy
gravelly hills to deep organic muck and peat soils in river basins.
Soils along the Bark River and its floodplain and along the Rock River north of Fort Atkinson are of the
Palms-Keowns-Milford series. These soils are very poorly drained and nearly level and are composed of
organic material or have loamy or clayey subsoil and are underlain by silty, sandy, or clayey material.
Soils in most of the rest of the eastern portion of the township are of the Kidder-McHenry-Rotamer soil
series. These soils are well and moderately well drained and gently sloping to steep and have a loamy
subsoil that is underlain by gravelly sandy loam.
Along Allen Creek the soils are of the Fox-Casco-Matherton association. These soils have a loamy
subsoil and are underlain by sand and gravel and can be somewhat poorly drained, well drained, or
excessively well drained and can be nearly level or have very steep slopes.
The Houghton-Adrian soil association is found along the Rock River between Fort Atkinson and Lake
Koshkonong. These are very poorly drained, nearly level organic soils that are more than 51 inches thick
or underlain by sand.
Small areas of Whalan-Kidder soils are found near Cold Spring and just southeast of Fort Atkinson.
These soils have loamy subsoil and are underlain by dolomite bedrock or gravelly sandy loam. They are
well drained or moderately well drained and gently sloping to moderately steep.
Prime Agricultural Soils
The Soil Survey of Jefferson County, Wisconsin classifies all soils into eight capability classes based on
“the suitability of soils for most kinds of field crops”. The Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation
and Land Use Plan identifies Class I, Class II, and those Class III soils “that exhibit prime agricultural
capabilities based on comparable expected yields of Class I and II” as prime agricultural lands.
In the Town of Koshkonong, prime soils for agriculture are found on 24,638 acres or 77.8 percent of the
land area. Table 7.14 lists description of the soil classes and number of acres in each class. Figure 7.15
maps the agricultural soil classes.
7-17
Table 7.14
Agricultural Soil
Capability Class
Class I Prime
Class II Prime
Acres
Description
264
18,031
Class III Prime
6,343
Class III Non-Prime
and IV-VII
7,044
Soils have few limitations that restrict their use.
Soils have moderate limitations that reduce the choice of plants
or that require moderate conservation practices.
Soils have moderate limitations that reduce the choice of plants
or that require moderate conservation practices.
Soils that have severe limitations that make them generally
unsuitable for cultivation due to steep slope, shallowness, or
high water table.
Figure 7.15
Highly Erodible Soils
Slopes greater than 12 percent are generally considered highly erodible. The Jefferson County
Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan environmental corridor goals include protecting and
preserving steeply sloped glacial features and state that “any land with a slope in excess of 20 percent
should be considered as an environmental corridor and subject to environmental corridor land use
policies”. Building on steep soils increases erosion and stormwater run-off and adds to the cost of
construction requiring more cut and fill. The Town discourages building and excavation on slopes over
15 percent.
In the Town of Koshkonong, 6047 acres (19.6 percent) have slopes of 12 percent or greater and are
identified as highly erodible; 24,841 acres are classified as not highly erodible and have slopes less than
12 percent. Additional erosion control measures should be required for building on steep slopes. Farmers
7-18
should employ no-till techniques when farming these lands. The following map shows the location of
slopes over 12 percent. Highly erodible soils are scattered throughout the Town of Koshkonong except in
the floodplain of the Rock and Bark Rivers (Figure 7.16).
Figure 7.16
Soils Suitable for Conventional Septic Systems
Favorable soil properties and site conditions are needed for proper functioning of conventional septic tank
absorption fields. Soils suitability for conventional septic systems is rated slight, moderate, and severe in
the Soils of Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Many of the soil types in the Town of Koshkonong have severe
limitations for septic absorption fields. The soils that are suitable for septic tanks are generally found in
the higher elevations away from rivers and streams. Figure 7.18 shows the location of soils that are
favorable for conventional septic systems. Table 7.17 lists the number of acres of the three categories of
septic limitations and a description of what the limitations are.
Table 7.17
Soil Suitability for
Septic Systems
Slight Limitations
Acres
Moderate Limitations
3,660
Severe Limitations
15,109
5,234
Description
Soils generally favorable for septic fields and limitations are
minor and easily overcome.
Soil properties and site features are unfavorable for septic
fields but can be overcome by special design ( mound
systems).
Soil properties and site features are extremely difficult to
overcome that major soils reclamation, special design, or
intensive maintenance is required.
7-19
Figure 7.18
Flood Plains
The new 100 year and 500 year FEMA flood plain designations are indicated on Figure 7.19. Flood
plains are generally located along rivers and streams and some isolated wetlands. The Jefferson County
Flood Plain Ordinance prohibits new building in flood plains. Jefferson County and FEMA are
attempting to remove flood prone buildings from Blackhawk Island.
Figure 7.19
7-20
1
U.S. Census Bureau. Census 2000. Units in Structure. Koshkonong Town, Jefferson County, Wisconsin
U.S. Census 2000GCT-PH1. Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2000 Data Set: Census 2000
Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data
3
Demographic Services Center, Wisconsin Department of Administration. Number of Specified Owner-Occupied
Housing Units by Value and Median Value for Wisconsin Counties and Municipalities: April 1, 2000.
2
7-21
Chapter 8
Intergovernmental Cooperation
The intergovernmental cooperation involves programs for joint planning and decision making with other
jurisdictions to plan land use and provide services such as school districts, fire districts, police protection,
recreation, utility corridors, siting and building public facilities and sharing public services. Plans or
agreements to which the local governmental unit is a party are listed in this chapter.
The first section of this chapter lists the existing and potential conflicts between the Town of Koshkonong
and other governmental units. The goals, objectives, and policies for intergovernmental cooperation are
a guide to resolving the issues between units of government.
8.1
Existing and Potential Issues between the Town of Koshkonong and
other Units of Government
The Town form of government gives Town of Koshkonong residents the opportunity to decide for
themselves how Town infrastructure will be maintained and what ordinances, policies, and rules will
govern the Town.
The Town is in Jefferson County and County ordinances and policies also apply. In addition to County
considerations, the Cities of Fort Atkinson and Whitewater have extra-territorial plat review over portions
of the Town, see Figure 8.1
The cities, as well as Jefferson County, must approve re-zoning requests within the extraterritorial zones.
The cities also have the power to annex Town land at the request of landowners if the annexation
complements the city’s land use plan. These multiple jurisdictional layers can lead to unresolved issues
and conflicts between units of government.
Figure 8.1 Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
City of Fort Atkinson
Extra-Territorial
Jurisdiction.
8-1
City of Whitewater
Extra-Territorial
Jurisdiction.
Intergovernmental Strategies Identified in Public Visioning Meetings:
 Work with Fort Atkinson and Whitewater to develop boundary agreements that are positive for
all jurisdictions.
 Work with the City of Fort Atkinson to designate sustainable growth areas.
 Approach Fort Atkinson about annexing areas with failing septic systems – Woodlawn.
 Work with Fort Atkinson on construction, noise, and signage issues in the business park.
 Keep lines of communication open with WisDOT on the STH 26 and USH 12 by-pass projects.
 Consider forming a committee that includes City and Town representatives to discuss boundary
agreements and make recommendations to the Town Board and City Council. The committee
could be made up of the respective planning commissions
 Work with the WDNR to understand the ecological systems around Lake Koshkonong and the
Lake Koshkonong Wildlife Area.
8.2
Intergovernmental Actions
The statements in this section are the positive actions that the Town of Koshkonong will take to address
intergovernmental conflicts and disagreements. Detailed objectives and policies are listed under the
goals, objectives, and policies for intergovernmental cooperation in Section 8.3.

Negotiate boundary agreements with the City of Fort Atkinson and the City of Whitewater.

Continue to support the Rock River Safety Patrol in enforcement of State boating laws on Lake
Koshkonong and the Rock River.

Participate in the upcoming Jefferson County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan process.

Use the GFLOW model to determine the affects of proposed developments in the Town of
Koshkonong and areas adjacent to the Town on ground and surface water resources.

Communicate with WisDOT and adjacent cities and towns on the STH 26 expansion process and
the USH 12 bypass study.

Provide input on Lake Koshkonong water quality and lake level issues.

Support the efforts of FEMA and Jefferson County to remove dwellings from habitually flooded
areas.
8.3
Intergovernmental Cooperation Goals, Objectives and Strategies
Goal
The Town of Koshkonong participates in cooperative planning efforts with other jurisdictions and
maintains cooperative service agreements for transportation, emergency, recreation, and community
needs.
Intergovernmental Service Objectives
1. Negotiated service and mutual aid agreements with adjacent municipalities for fire and
emergency services cover the entire Town.
8-2
2. The Town maintains agreements for HAZMT Hazardous Materials Response Team service.
3. The Town has open lines of communication with Jefferson County Emergency Management,
4.
5.
6.
7.
Zoning, the Sheriffs Department, and the County Highway Department during manmade and
natural disasters such as flooding and excessive snowfall. Jefferson County is the contact with
FEMA.
Coordinate with the Jefferson County Highway Department and WisDOT to provide safe and
well-maintained transportation networks.
Maintain open lines of communication with WisDOT on the STH 26 expansion project and
potential USH 12 bypass of Fort Atkinson and express the wishes and concerns of Town
residents.
Encourage the Fort Atkinson, Whitewater, and Milton School Districts, local private schools, and
provide an excellent education for all students.
Ensure high quality health and medical services for all Town individuals by working
cooperatively with the Jefferson County Health Department.
Intergovernmental Planning Objectives
1. Intergovernmental Boundary Agreements between the Town of Koshkonong, the City of Fort
Atkinson, and the City of Whitewater may be pursued under the right conditions for mutual
benefit.
2. Protect natural areas and provide recreation opportunities in the Town of Koshkonong by
working together with the DNR, Jefferson County, and other environmental and recreation
organizations.
3. Protect large blocks of agricultural land, maintain agricultural suppliers, promote new local
markets for agricultural products, and maintain roadways for shared agricultural and motorized
use by working with Jefferson County, the State of Wisconsin, adjacent jurisdictions, and
organizations that protect farmland and enhance the agricultural business climate.
4. Work with the City of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson County, and local and regional economic and
tourism agencies and groups to develop a good business climate in the Koshkonong area, to
explore new and sustainable business ideas for the Town of Koshkonong, and to promote natural
resource and agriculture-based tourism.
5. Support a regional water use policy to protect the drinking water aquifers.
6. Use the GFLOW groundwater computer model to improve groundwater and surface water
management and share findings with adjacent units of government and environmental
organizations.
7. Implore the cities recognize the loss of tax base due to annexations.
8.4
Intergovernmental Plans and Agreements
The Town of Koshkonong is a party to the following Jefferson County Plans and Ordinances:
Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan, October 1999
The Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan of 1999 includes county-wide
policies for agricultural preservation areas, rural hamlets, urban service areas, environmental corridor
overlay districts, interim transition area land use policies, a park, open space, and environmental
protection plan, and a “right to farm statement”.
All Towns in Jefferson County are covered by this plan and accompanying zoning ordinance. This plan
also qualifies farmers and landowners for participation in the State of Wisconsin Farmland Preservation
program, which provides income tax credits for landowners who maintain their land in agriculture.
8-3
Implementation of the plan includes efforts to “continue to support cooperative planning between local
units of government in Jefferson County.”
Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance, Amended September 1, 2006 and Land Division Ordinance
and Sub-Division Ordinance, Amended June 1, 2005
Land division in the Town of Koshkonong occurs under the Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance and both
the County Board of Supervisors and the Town Board must approve zoning changes and land divisions.
Towns may enact zoning ordinances that have the same or more restrictive zoning regulations.
The Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance also includes Shoreline Provisions applicable to the Lake
Koshkonong shoreline and stream shorelines. In addition, the County enforces a Flood Plain Ordinance
and Private Sewage System Ordinance.
The Fowl and Feedlot Facilities Conditional Use permit procedure was updated in 2006 to comply with
the new State of Wisconsin Livestock Facilities Siting Law. The Town of Koshkonong takes exception to
this new livestock siting rule and voted against the Jefferson County rules because members felt that the
county was taking local control away from the town and not leaving the Town recourse if there were any
problems. The new rules state that a conditional use permit for a large livestock facility cannot be denied
if certain conditions are met.
The Solid Waste Management Department has prepared a Solid Waste Management Plan for Jefferson
County and a Solid Waste and Recycling Plan.
Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Service Agreements
The Town of Koshkonong works cooperatively with the services and jurisdictions listed below for fire,
rescue, emergency services and mutual aid. The services and agreements are detailed in Chapter 3
History, Culture, Town Government, Infrastructure, and Utilities.







Fort Atkinson Fire Department
Ryan Brothers EMS, Fort Atkinson
Milton and Town of Milton Fire Department
Whitewater Fire Department
Jefferson County Emergency Management
Wisconsin Department of Nature Resources
Rock River Safety Patrol
School Districts
Three school districts and several private schools serve the Town of Koshkonong. School details are
given in Chapter 3 History, Culture, Town Government Infrastructure, and Utilities. The school districts
are:
 Fort Atkinson School District
 Whitewater School District
 Milton School District
Koshkonong Sanitary District #1
Koshkonong Sanitary District #1was designated to protect the water quality of Lake Koshkonong. The
District generally involves the Vinnie Ha Ha Road, Koshkonong Mounds Road, and Koshkonong Lake
Road, and also Bingham’s Bluff areas.
8-4
At the time of this designation the Town of Koshkonong and the City of Milton Water and Sewer Utility
had discussions about extending service from the City of Milton to the Town subdivisions along Lake
Koshkonong. This plan has not been implemented to date and the Sanitary District is dormant. The
Sanitary District Board no longer meets. There are no plans to re-instate the sanitary district at this time.
The City of Milton Water and Sewer Utility does currently serve the homes along Charley Bluff Road. A
lift station is located near the intersection of County Line Road and Charley Bluff Road to pump sewage
to the wastewater treatment plant at Indianford in Rock County.
The Town of Koshkonong also made an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
for a potential septic leach bed on Lake Koshkonong Marsh Wildlife Area land just west of the
intersection of Koshkonong Mounds Road and Old Hwy 26, near where the WDNR parking lot is now.
The plan involved treating gray water from the nearby subdivisions through a septic field. This operation
has never been implemented.
Koshkonong Sanitary District #1 is considered a Limited Urban Service Area in the Jefferson
County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan meaning: an area in or adjacent to sanitary
districts or lake management districts where sanitary sewer service is either currently available or
planned but other municipal services typically associated with incorporated municipalities are not
provided.
Jefferson County Urban Service Area Goals are:
 Encourage higher density residential development in areas where public utilities will be available.
 Encourage nonagricultural-related businesses and industries to locate in areas where public
utilities will be available.
 Preserve sufficient area around existing municipalities to allow reasonable municipal growth.
 Achieve cooperation and coordination between incorporated municipalities, adjoining towns, and
Jefferson County with respect to long-range planning and land use regulations.
Intergovernmental Agreements between the Town Board of the Town of Koshkonong and the City
Council of the City of Fort Atkinson
The Town of Koshkonong entered into agreements with the City of Fort Atkinson on potential
subdivision areas, some of which were annexed to the City and some that were not. The Town and City
agreed to limit annexation in certain areas until 2009. These agreements were not renegotiated.
The Town of Koshkonong entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Fort Atkinson on
June 3, 1999 on lands primarily south of Hackbarth Road and in the area of the Klement Industrial Park
along Hwy 26, see Figure 8.1. The agreement set forth the areas where the Town and City agree that the
City of Fort Atkinson could annex land without opposition of the Town. The boundaries in this
agreement do not constitute corporate boundaries of either jurisdiction but establish areas where the City
may annex lands within the Town and where the City agrees not to annex lands within the Town for the
period of 10 years (until 2009).
On October 1, 2004, the Town of Koshkonong and the City of Fort Atkinson entered into another
boundary agreement concerning the Hendricks Subdivision and areas around the intersection of Hwy K,
Hackbarth Road, and Hwy 12. In this agreement the City agreed to pay the Town $75.00 per dwelling
unit and 16% of the park fees charged for each commercial unit constructed in the Hendricks Subdivision
area upon recording the plat or certified survey. The Town may use the funds for the Koshkonong/Fort
Atkinson Bike Path or for park projects.
8-5
Figure 8.2
The blue area and red area south of Hackbarth Road in Figure 8.1 were designated for no annexation until
at least 2009. The green areas are open to annexation by the City of Fort Atkinson and most of these
areas have been annexed, including the Klement Industrial Park. The orange area has been open for
annexation by the City since 2004. The magenta area north of Hackbarth Road is designated for no
annexation between 2004 and 2009.
There are pockets of land under Town jurisdiction surrounded by City land. These pockets generally do
not receive sewer and water service from the City, though utility lines may run alongside the properties.
Road Maintenance in Fort Atkinson Boundary Agreement Area
Poeppel Road south of Hackbarth Road will remain a Town road and be maintained by the
Town. The City agrees that no industrial, commercial, or business development of the land in the
annexation area will have direct access onto Poeppel Road through the course of the agreement
(2009) except for emergency or public safety purposes.
Hackbarth Road, except for those portions within the City of Fort Atkinson in 1999, shall
remain a Town road during the term of this agreement and the Town will maintain the road.
8-6
Highland Avenue will be built by the City or a developer to City standards. When Town land
along Highland Avenue is annexed, the City will install utilities and assess the property owners
for those improvements.
Surface Water Drainage
The City of Fort Atkinson will submit any surface water drainage plan related to development of
land in the annexation area (green and orange on the map) to the Town for review by its engineers
and to accommodate any reasonable request. The Town must respond within 21 days to the
submission. The Town also agrees to submit drainage plans for the non-annexation area (blue
and red) to the City as well.
In the case of the Hendrick’s Subdivision the City agreed to submit a surface water drainage plan
to the Town for its review and approval prior to City approval. The must make comments within
45 days of receiving the plan. There shall be no substantial discharges of surface water into the
area south of the subdivision. The Town agreed to let the City extend utilities through Town land
to serve the new subdivision.
Wetlands
The City and Town both agree to take all reasonable steps to preserve and maintain WDNR
designated wetlands in these areas.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources owns about 900 acres in the Town of Koshkonong. The
Town works cooperatively with the WDNR to provide access to public properties and support
conservation programs and policies. The WDNR also provides wardens to police the wildlife areas and to
assist with the lake patrol on Lake Koshkonong
8-7
Chapter 9
Implementation
The Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan presents goals, objectives, policies, programs,
and maps in each of the required elements to strengthen planning objectives and balance new residential
and business development with protection for agriculture and farmers, natural resources, water quality,
and recreation.
The Town operates under the provisions of the
Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and
Land Use Plan, County Zoning, and County Land
Division Ordinances as well as its own Land
Division Ordinance, which may be more
restrictive in most cases. The Town of
Koshkonong Plan Commission takes an active
role in administering both Town and County
plans and ordinances at monthly meetings and
makes recommendations to the Town Board of
Supervisors.
This plan is composed of eight chapters in addition to the Implementation Chapter. The Implementation
Chapter is summary of the actions proposed throughout the document and integrates all the elements with
each other.
9.1
Implementation Goals and Strategies
Goals
1. The Town of Koshkonong makes land use decisions that are consistent with the Town of
Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan and that further the goals and objectives of the plan.
2. Town ordinances and mapping maintain consistency with the Town of Koshkonong
Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
3. Adjoining jurisdictions and Jefferson County are informed of land use plans and mapping.
4. Residents of the Town of Koshkonong are encouraged and empowered to participate in Town
government.
Implementation Strategies
1. The Koshkonong Town Board utilizes the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan,
the Soil Survey of Jefferson County, aerial photographs, and other tools at each meeting to make
decisions consistent with the Plan.
2. All new mapping, ordinances, and policies are in compliance with the Town of Koshkonong
Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
3. The Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Lane Use Plan is distributed to all adjoining
jurisdictions and local libraries.
4. Residents are informed of Town meetings through the Town webpage, local newspaper, local
radio, and postings and encouraged to participate in Town government.
5. Residents are encouraged to run for public office or volunteer for the Planning Commission.
9-1
Implementation
9.2
Consistency of Plan, Elements, and Ordinances
All land use decisions by the Plan Commission and Town Board and all zoning ordinances and permit
procedures must be consistent with the goals, objectives, policies, maps and programs of the land use plan
as required by the Wisconsin Comprehensive Planning Law.
This land use plan is a living document to be referenced at each Plan Commission and Town Board
meeting when making land use decisions. The maps, tables, charts and background information provide
additional documentation to support the land division ordinance and monthly planning decisions.
Proposed plats or land divisions may be denied if they are not consistent with the comprehensive plan.
The plan may be amended if changing conditions warrant.
The State of Wisconsin requires the following town government actions to be consistent with the
comprehensive land use plan beginning on January 1, 2010:
 Official mapping established under s.236.45 or s.236.46.
 Local subdivision regulation under s. 236.45 or s.236.46.
 Town zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s.60.61 or s.60.62.
 Zoning of shorelands or wetlands in shorelands under s.59.692, s.61.351 or s.62.231.
If rezoning is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, the comprehensive plan must be changed,
with public input, prior to approval of the zoning change.
The Town of Koshkonong is governed by the Jefferson County Zoning and Land Division Ordinances but
may be more restrictive. The list of County Ordinances that may impact the Town of Koshkonong is
given below. Not all Jefferson County Ordinances pertain to Towns. These ordinances should be
reviewed by the Planning Commission and the Town of Koshkonong may consider enacting similar
ordinances that are consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Jefferson County Ordinances
2005-38
Review of Condominium Instruments
18
Jefferson County Alarm Systems Ordinance
24
Rabies Control Ordinance
83-16
Traffic Ordinance
84-11
Uniform Numbering Ordinance
87-24
Emergency Management Ordinance
96-14
Parcel Identification Numbers
96-36
Regulated Boating on the Rivers and Streams of Jefferson County
98-46
Public Health and Public Nuisance Ordinance
342.40
Regulate the Disposal of Abandoned Motor Vehicles
2001-26
Environmental Sanitation
2004-27
Animal Waste Storage and Nutrient Management
2001-03
Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Ordinance
1998-27
Parks Ordinance
1978-14
Flood Plain Ordinance
2001-0
Private Sewage System Ordinance
Chapter 15
Subdivision Ordinance
Chapter 11
Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 11.10 Shoreline Provisions & Shoreline-Wetland District
2008-31
Regulating Use of Ice Bound Waters
2009-03
Fair and Open Housing
9-2
Implementation
All elements of the Plan respond to the four planning visions that were discovered during the public
visioning process. Integrating these opportunities into each element creates consistency throughout the
plan. The goals of all elements focus on these four visions:

Retain the Town of Koshkonong’s rural character and sense of community by sustaining the pattern
of residential development, working farms, and important natural resource areas and maintaining a
sharp distinction between urban/suburban and rural landscapes.

Protect and ensure the quality of unique natural resources such as Allen Creek (a State Exceptional
Resource Water), the Bark and Rock Rivers, Lake Koshkonong, wetlands, prairies, woodlands, and
other critical natural resources such as ground water, aggregate, and productive agricultural soils.
Work cooperatively with neighboring municipalities on land use and economic issues for mutual
benefit.
Enhance community pride and connectedness while respecting private property rights.


9.3
Recommended Ordinance and Policy Updates
The Town of Koshkonong will review the existing Town of Koshkonong Land Division Ordinance for
consistency with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and make the necessary changes. Enforcement of
existing ordinances will also be evauated.
The following ordinance revisions or additions may be considered:




















Maintain consistency between all intergovernmental and boundary agreements the Town enters
into and the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Update the Land Division Ordinance to reflect that only one A-3 split may be allowed on parcels
10 acres or less in size that are not contiguous with other parcels under the same ownership.
Update ordinances to reflect the 75 ft. buffer zone between wetlands and new construction.
Consider implementing a driveway ordinance.
Research and evaluate the addition of conservation subdivision design ordinances.
Research implementing a transfer of development rights (TDR) program.
Explore requiring developers to provide fiscal and traffic impact studies for new developments.
Create an impact fee policy to reflect State rules.
Consider a historic and archaeological preservation ordinance and incentives.
Research and consider a dark skies/light pollution ordinance.
Review State wind power policies their application to the Town of Koshkonong.
Review the County telecommunications facility ordinance and consider a Town ordinance.
Allow multiple lot sizes and housing values and consider requiring developers to include
affordable housing with in the Future Growth Area.
Consider incentives for green and sustainable development.
Continue to implement the recommendation of the Town of Koshkonong Comprehensive Park
and Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Explore protecting viewsheds and hilltops and requiring underground utility placement in scenic
areas.
Enforce existing street, driveway, and culvert ordinances and require efficient multi-modal
transportation networks.
Require the use of best management practices for erosion control during all construction
including roads and utilities.
Review the conditional use policy for home-based businesses and update.
Explore a land fill ordinance.
9-3
Implementation


9.4
Review the Town of Koshkonong Land Division Ordinance section on Stormwater Management
Plan and Facilities.
Research and consider commercial deep well, well head, and aquifer protection ordinances.
Intergovernmental Agreement Recommendations
The Town of Koshkonong has existing no-annexation agreements with the city of Fort Atkinson that
expire in 2009. The Town may continue to pursue such agreements with surrounding communities and
towns. Policies that may be considered in intergovernmental agreements include:
 Boundary changes
 Sanitary Sewer Service boundaries
 Future land use recommendations
 Consistency with adopted plans
 Extraterritorial jurisdiction provisions
 Joint economic development efforts
 Revenue sharing
 Road maintenance and upgrades
 Shared services
 Selected common design standards
 Intergovernmental planning committees
 Joint park and open space initiatives
9.5
Special Local Initiatives
The Town of Koshkonong often works with other entities to protect and improve natural resources and
the quality of life. These local initiatives are on-going or are proposed in the land use plan:

Investigate the use of PDR, TDR and /or Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) program within the
Town of Koshkonong as a method to protect agricultural areas or interests so the future of
agriculture remains active and strong.

Continue to participate in GFLOW studies and the application of this groundwater flow data to
the land use plan.

Develop an ordinance to regulate new high capacity wells.

Encourage wellhead protection planning.

Explore a regional water policy and protection of open space in the Town of Koshkonong with
municipalities that are running short of water in order to maintain groundwater recharge and
aquifers.

Explore the potential protection of environmentally sensitive properties such as State Natural
Area designation along Allen Creek.

Participate in transportation planning with WisDOT.
9-4
Implementation
9.6

Formally evaluate changes in the impact fee law and enact policy to resume the use of impact
fees for parks.

Establish a local volunteer committee to prepare an inventory of historical and cultural significant
properties.

Work with the WDNR to create a variety of passive recreational opportunities on public land in
and around the Town of Koshkonong.

Work with the Lake Koshkonong Management District, Jefferson County Zoning, Jefferson
County Land and Water Conservation Department, the City of Fort Atkinson, Heart of the City,
and the public to protect and improve the quality of the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong, which
are treasured natural resources.

Continue to update the Comprehensive Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan and partner with
Jefferson County in park projects.
Scheduled Plan Review and Amending the Plan
This Plan looks forward twenty years to 2030. Forces that drive land use are not static but constantly
changing. This document was meant to be amended when conditions change. The Plan Commission or a
designated committee will formally review the plan and recommend changes on a regular basis. Changes
to one part of the plan may require changes to several of the elements and to the land division ordinances
as all land use is inter-connected and all must be consistent.
Amending the Comprehensive Land Use Plan
The following procedure will be followed to amend the Plan:
1. The Town Board will adopt a resolution outlining the procedures that will be undertaken to
ensure public participation during every stage of the plan amendment process.
2. The Town Plan Commission will notify all concerned individuals and conduct a public meeting to
gather and present information.
3. Following the public meeting, the Plan Commission shall make a recommendation to the Town
Board.
4. The recommended plan amendment shall be sent to all adjacent and surrounding jurisdictions as
required under Section 66.1001 (4), Wisconsin Status.
5. The Town Board shall hold a public hearing on the recommendations of the Plan commission.
The public hearing will follow the notification requirements listed under Section 66.1001 (4).
6. The Town Board shall act on the Plan Commission’s recommendation and approve, deny, or
amend any proposed change to this Plan by ordinance.
7. The Town will forward any amendment to the County and request its incorporation into the
County Comprehensive Plan.
9-5
Implementation
The following criteria should be considered before changing the Comprehensive Plan:
 The change is consistent with the goals and objectives and other elements of this Comprehensive
Plan.
 The change does not create an adverse impact on public facilities and services. Public facilities
and services include roads, drainage, schools, emergency services, parks, and wildlife areas.
 Development resulting from the change does not create an undue impact on surrounding
properties including agricultural land. Such development should be consistent with the physical
character of the surrounding areas.
 The change does not have a significant adverse impact on working farms, the Town’s rural
character, archaeological resources, or the natural environment including woodlands, slopes and
groundwater.
 There is a change in Town policies or area characteristics that would justify a change.
 The change corrects an error made in the original plan.
 There is a community or regional need identified in the Comprehensive Plan for the proposed
land use or service.
 The change helps the Town implement its overall goals.
 The change retains consistency among Plan elements.
 The amendment is in compliance with Wisconsin State Laws.
9-6
Implementation

Chapter 7 Land Use and Housing

Transcription

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