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February 2014 SWWRPC e-Newsletter
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From the Executive Director
Just yesterday we had our first day in more than a month that the temperature got above freezing. The 40 degree temp felt downright tropical after so many below-zero nights. Spring is coming to Southwestern Wisconsin.
Spring is a time of rebirth and after such a hard winter we naturally look forward to the warming temperatures. I enjoy the changing of the seasons and observing nature's adaptation to our environment. Nature follows its own schedule, not ours. Sometimes we are impatient for changes that we know are coming. Nature shows us that we should live each day as a unique gift.
Your gift to us is that we are allowed to serve you and your community. We appreciate that opportunity. The Commissioners and staff of the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission thank you! - Larry Ward
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Welcome Katherine Burk!
The Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission welcomed Assistant Planner Katherine Burk who started in January, 2014. Katherine, who is from Cincinnati, Ohio, will be working primarily on the
Southwestern Wisconsin Housing Study for Neighborhood Housing Services of Southwest Wisconsin, the Lafayette County Land and Water Resource Management Plan, and the Tele-Behavioral Health Network of Southwest Wisconsin for Richland and Iowa counties. For more information on these projects, please contact Katherine Burk (608-342-6005) and welcome her to the Driftless Region! |
Driftless Area Land Conservancy Mapping
Ben Gulch, GIS Specialist at SWWRC has been working on creating a map for the Driftless Area Land Conservancy which will help them locate areas of biodiversity corresponding well with select social factors. This will help DALC better target their efforts to protect the Driftless Area. For more information, contact Ben Gultch, (608-342-3841).
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Revolving Loan Fund
The SWWRPC administers a revolving loan fund (RLF) dedicated to creating jobs and improving the local and regional economy. The fund supports business owners to qualify for traditional bank loans. Qualified projects include business start-ups or firms with less than three years of operating history that can demonstrate growth potential, expanding employers which demonstrate substantial economic benefits to the region, and attraction of new employers when used as an incentive and where excellent economic benefits exist. Since 1995, the RLF has contributed to
- 6 active loans with a total value of $237,056.00.
- 15 loans since 1995 with a total value of $947,056.00.
- $4,315,607.00 in leveraged funds.
- 79 private sector jobs created or saved.
For more information on this project contact Ed White (608-732-6659).
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Richland Center Safe Routes to School
SWWRPC is working with school and community leaders in Richland Center to implement a Safe Routes to School program. The program is centered on getting students to and from Richland Middle School safely. The Safe Routes to School program finds engineering, encouragement, education, and enforcement solutions to increasing student pedestrians' safety. At the initial kick-off meeting, 15 parents and community leaders attended. These community leaders were asked to participate in a walking survey to prioritize the needs of the Richland Middle School students. The next Safe Routes to School meeting will be held February 27th, from 5:15 - 6 at Richland Middle School. The meeting will cover all data and research compiled so far in the project and gather recommendations from community stakeholders. For more information on this project, please contact James Winters (608-342-1057).
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Our Partners
The House of Representatives voted to pass the 2014 Farm Bill whereupon it moved on to the Senate and then the President for approval.
Overall the bill could have many positive impacts on conservation because it:
- Ties conservation requirements to federal crop insurance subsidies, while also limiting subsidies on newly tilled land in some states
- Reauthorizes the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
- Provides $1.3 billion for farmland preservation over the next five years, with an option to waive match requirements. This is a key provision that should help land trusts like DALC protect important farmland even if local funding is lacking.
The DALC is also hiring a Community Engagement Coordinator - see the job description here.
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SWWRPC's Mission
The Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission collaborates with communities and organizations to build capacity within southwestern Wisconsin, serving as advocates for its residents. We create opportunities and develop dynamic solutions to the challenges facing the region. We foster growth by supporting innovative endeavors that provide tangible benefits to those we serve. We believe in the bold vision of southwestern Wisconsin and work to build the region's future.
To learn more about us visit our website at
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