Dogs in parks 'disgusting'
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/28/2013):
As a daily runner (30 years) and of late, walker of our township trails and roads, I've noted the beauty of conservancies such as Pope Farm, a valuable resource worthy of our protection for those who follow us. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed significant disregard by some dog owners when using the Cherrywood Prairie Restoration site (Mineral Point and Swoboda Road). The trail is clearly marked for users to have dogs leashed and to remove dog manure.
However, the footpath is heavily contaminated with manure and dogs often run loose thoughout the site in clear view of the owners. Quite disgusting, actually and a major deterrent for my and would assume, other's use of “Prairie Restoration.” There has been discussion by a few pertaining to dog re-entry into Pope and Goth Conservancies. Not a good idea! Most, I believe, have common sense to maintain our conservancies as pristine, learning environments and not for conservancy users to tip-toe through the dog-doo and perhaps risk dog bites (I've been bitten many times by "friendly" dogs).
The current township board seeks dog retreats (dog exercise sites) independent of conservancies, a rationale idea and a sizeable factor in my view for their re-election.
Bob Coleman
Town of Middleton
Keep current conservancy rules
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/28/2013):
I respectfully ask the Town of Middleton Board of Supervisors to continue with current rules that restrict dogs at Pope Farm and Goth Conservancies. As a teacher who uses Pope Farm Park for educational programming, a parent who hikes through both parks with young children and as a daily park user, I appreciate the cleanliness and conservation of the parks as was intended when the land was donated.
There's nothing quite like a morning run through the park, listening to song birds while a sandhill crane watches just steps away from you. I've owned dogs and respect responsible dog owners who clean after their pets and respect leash laws. While many dog owners are respectful, there are some who are not. Not only is the potential mess a concern, but so are dogs who are allowed off leashes or who get away from owners. For children, and even myself, I appreciate the peace-of-mind of a non-dog area.
Perhaps another solution is to form a committee that can look for a permanent dog park where dogs are free to roam, like the one at Middleton Municipal Airport. Please keep Pope Farm and Goth Conservancies dog free as was intended by the families that so generously donated the land.
Chris Conohan
Friends group should form
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/28/2013):
I have enjoyed reading the letters to the editor in your newspaper concerning Goth Conservancy. Royce Goth was a very dear friend to the Lawson family and spent a great deal of time in our home including Holidays. Royce was a very special person and talked to
us about his vision for the land that today is called Goth Conservancy.
In her wonderful letter to you, Mae "Goth" Hartwig pointed out that Royce would have been very unhappy about board candidate Alton's position of allowing dogs into the Conservancy. Royce Goth would absolutely not want his gifted land to become a dog park. It is that simple. The heart of Royce's vision was to bring people together where neighbors could meet, have a picnic, or maybe toss a Frisbee around. Royce also had a love for nature and wanted preservation to be a key ingredient in its future.
In a recent letter to you, Jerry Goth proposed a friends group be formed for Goth Conservancy, and I think that is an excellent idea. With all the artifacts and information that Mae "Goth" Hartwig has for interpretive signage, combined with the enthusiasm that has been expressed by town residents, we could do wonders to increase visits to Goth Conservancy. I would enjoy working on this project and hope this idea gains traction with others. In the end we will be doing the right thing to this beautiful piece of property, and Royce Goth would have his vision
fulfilled.
Sincerely,
Ardith Lawson
Town has little say on ATC lines
Letter to the editor:
Towns have limited powers to control the location and updates on proposed ATC transmission lines. I have worked with Milo Breunig and Tim Roehl at a town level as well as members of the Dane Co. Towns Executive Board and I can tell you they both are hard working advocates of people's property rights.
Tim in particular gives freely his time and energy to help all Dane Co. Residents on many levels not just Towns. Whether its his time on working with willing land owners to clean up the Madison lakes or as a advocate for Town residents on many land use
issues.
A loss of either of these elected officials is a loss not only for the Town of Middleton residents but a loss for all of us. These men are more than one issue, vote accordingly.
Jim Pulvermacher
Springfield Town Board
Incumbents have Stoetzel's support
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/28/2013):
A few points about the Town of Middleton:
1. No one on the Finance Committee is advocating more debt, but it is a very useful tool when used appropriately. The two fire houses were built to increase public safety in the Town and Old Sauk Road is a safer road to travel.
2. When the Finance Committee was established, I was interviewed by the entire board regarding my experience, credentials, and explaining how they would benefit the Town. Then the Board voted. I had 30+ years working as a CPA plus past experience auditing
towns, cities, and counties.
3. Auditing standards allow auditors to prepare financial statements and it does not impair independence. SEC regulated companies are the exception. In reality, most small businesses and governments have their auditors prepare their financial statements. And it is true that auditing standards dictate that this issue be disclosed as an internal control weakness. The statements take about a week to prepare. They require a high level of knowledge and expertise and this person is way too expensive to have on staff. For rest of the year, they would be overpaid and their talents underutilized. Internal controls are about risk and cost benefit
Please join me and vote for Breunig, Roehl, and Kolar on April 2.
Mike Stoetzel
Incumbents are 'sharp'
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/28/2013):
My husband and I are lifelong residents of the Town of Middleton, and we have enjoyed raising our family here. We have seen good town boards and ones that were not. Milo, Bill, and Tim are three of the sharpest board members that we have ever had. They listen to everyone and get opinions from experts.
They make the best decisions for all town residents, and not for special interest groups.
I have been a member of the planning commission ever since it was created back in 1976. I am the longest serving member of any commission for the town. I have seen and spoken my piece on pretty much every decision the town has made since then. I like to think that the results of decisions made by Town government over the years have created a community you enjoy living in as much as we do.
The town hall is open for early voting. Please take the time to join us in voting for Milo Breunig, Bill Kolar, and Tim Roehl.
Cathy & Chuck Garfoot
Town needs balanced board
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/28/2013):
As a former town board member and a 45-year town resident, I write this letter in support of Milo Bruenig, Bill Kolar, and Tim Roehl for town board on April 2. I support them on many issues but highly in the area of balanced representation.
In my first hand experience we need to keep these three because without them there would not be any representation south of Mineral Point Road. The ATC issue is a major consideration in the town but the substation was built in the mid-1970s. There are going to be a total of 4 lines coming into the Highway 14 substation. I worked on the current line and I fully trust this group to handle the other three and trust they will be fair and considerate of all town residents.
Milo, Bill and Tim created the Finance Committee, achieved the town's Standard and Poor's AA plus bond rating, and are fiscally conservative. At the same time they've expanded parks, prairies and trails, created the town parks and trails maintenance matrix, streamlined the approval process, and have achieved the second lowest property taxes in Dane County.
You do not replace that.
As a retired member of the board I will tell you that you put in many more hours than what the public sees and it is a tasking responsibility. I tell Milo, Bill and Tim thanks every time I talk to them. I will be thanking them again with my vote on April 2nd.
Frank Acker
Keep canines out of conservancies
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/21/2013):
Our family has lived here since 2002 and enjoyed dog walking and visiting the parks and conservancies.
Please note:
1.) New on-leash paths are plentiful. The residents of subdivisions with trails should simply present proposed areas and simple rules to the park commission. The town board usually follows commission recommendations.
2.) New off-leash parks(s) should be developed. Dog lovers are often the most frequent visitors to parks and our government representatives should work in a pro-active, fiscally responsible,and expeditious manner to open new areas(s).
3.) Conservancies are conservancies. They are crucial to better understand our heritage and future environment. If dogs were allowed the natural areas and wildlife would decrease in just a few months, and the current landscape could be unrecognizable within several years. More importantly, nature walking, educational events, and celebrations such as the annual 4th of July/Rhythm and Booms gathering (which reinforces our civil liberties and our right to have open discussions such as this) would diminish.
Sincerely,
James W. Byyrd
Current board earned support
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/21/2013):
The Town of Middleton was given a tremendous gift when Royce Goth gave land to the town for a conservancy. My husband and I are nearby neighbors of Goth Conservancy and have enjoyed many peaceful walks there in all seasons.
We have enjoyed watching the development of the conservancy, and have appreciated the efforts of the park commission to create the trails, remove non-native species, and maintain the area where people can immerse themselves in a beautiful natural setting. Goth Conservancy is a gift for which we should be continuously grateful, and one we should use in the manner in which Royce Goth intended. I find it unimaginable that we would not honor the wishes of the giver of this gift.
I read with interest the ideas of Mae Goth Hartwig, sister of Royce Goth, in her letter to the editor a few weeks ago. She would like to increase the use of Goth Conservancy by sharing some of the history of the land and adding interpretive signage. There has been some effort to represent those of us who support protecting the conservancy as wanting to keep Goth Conservancy as our “private park.” This is town land. The Goth family (and those of us who know and enjoy the conservancy) would like nothing more than to have more people enjoy it.
Dogs are not allowed in Goth Conservancy. The needs and the nature of dogs are incompatible with maintaining the wildlife and native species in the conservancy. Allowing dogs in the conservancy has been tried. It would be unfair to paint all dog owners with the same brush, however, there were enough dog owners whose dogs were off leash, and enough dogs who were not cleaned up after, that the effect on the wildlife in the conservancy was very detrimental. We should pay attention to history, and not repeat this mistake. Support the parks commission in their efforts to educate our neighbors where they can currently walk their dogs, and to seek other areas for this purpose. Please also support our current Town Board, who have been vigilant in maintaining Goth Conservancy as a conservancy.
Thank you to the Goth family for their marvelous gift to us. Take a walk in Goth Conservancy and you too may feel as grateful for it as I do.
Beth Dailey
Dogs would degrade land
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/21/2013):
We are Naturalists that have worked with students in our conservancies, and have serious concerns regarding re-introducing dogs into the Town of Middleton Conservancies.
We have led MCPASD Fourth Grade students, 60 to 120 at a time, in their field trips to the Pope Farm Conservancy the last few years. The Conservancy is a wonderful place to learn about local history and science, and we have a dedicated group of educators that work with our children. The Town of Middleton does an excellent job of supporting the facilities for fieldtrips as well as other visitors. Next time you are out take a look at the various educational signage, outdoor seating, bathroom facilities, picnic area and drinking fountain.
Re-introducing dogs to the Conservancies will not only degrade the quality of the land for wildlife, but will increase the amount of work needed to clean the park of dog waste. We’ve had experiences with dogs off-leash in other outdoor areas, and dogs that are off-leash are not only a threat to wild life but are of concern for human interactions as well. Even friendly dogs get agitated, and we would hate to have anything happen to a student while on a school field trip.
It’s surprising that this has become an election issue. The Town of Middleton Board, as well as the Park Commission, has been very proactive seeking dog walking options for residents.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Williams and Mary Hoholik
Honor wishes of Pope and Goth
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/21/2013):
I have had the pleasure of living in the Town of Middleton for 32 years. My property is adjacent to the Pope Farm Conservacy. The woodland portion of the property that is adjacent to the conservacy was purchased from Art Pope with the understanding that it would not be developed and would remain a nature area for wildlife and plants.
Mr. Pope provided the land that is now the Pope Farm Conservancy to the Town of Middleton and desired that it remain a nature area.
Mr. Royce Goth similarly desired that land he gifted to the Town of Middleton would remain a nature area.
Dogs have not been allowed in the Pope Farm Conservancy and the Goth Conservancy since 2006. The absence of dogs in the conservancy areas has set the stage for the comeback of some grassland breeding birds whose numbers had been dwindling over the past many years because of lack of habitat and lack of appropriate breeding conditions. Reintroducing dogs to the conservancies will wreak havoc on a fragile environment. The Town of Middleton Board members have been responsive to citizen input on the dog issue. Historically when dogs were allowed in the Pope Farm Conservancy, the rules of keeping dogs on leash and required poop scooping were not followed by enough dog owners so as to be noticeable.
The Town of Middleton Board is seeking additional areas for dog walking and play. In the interest of wildlife conservation, educational activities and the serenity of nature, dogs should not be allowed in the two conservancies.
Three Town of Middleton Board members are being challenged in the April 2013 election including Milo Breunig, Bill Kolar and Tim Roehl. I feel that the Town of Middleton Board has done a good job with the budget, has held taxes down and has provided superior town services to its residents in a timely manner. I support the reelection of Milo Breunig, Bill Kolar and Tim Roehl. They are our best bet to achieve the Town of Middleton’s 2030 vision.
Diana Kruse
Troy Alton ‘doesn’t get it’
To the Editor,
As a former Chair of the Parks Commission for the Town of Middleton I felt compelled to respond to a recent statement made by Mr. Troy Alton in the March 11 draft Parks Commission meeting minutes. Mr. Alton, who is running in this election on his “right-to-walk-his-dog-anywhere” platform, stated that “It is more important to allow dogs in Town conservancies than it is to work to protect the habitat of birds.” Mr. Alton is of course entitled to his opinion, but it appears that he just doesn’t get it.
Mr. Alton, this issue is not about dogs, it is about people. People do not want to meet your dog in the conservancies, nor should they have to worry about their personal safety. People want to walk and see the wildlife (yes, some of us prefer birds) and the glorious sunsets. Finally, parents do not want their children harassed by dogs off leash, which is inevitable as Town history has proven. My special needs son was traumatized by two dogs off leash at one of our conservancies and I will not soon forget it.
In that regard, I can recall an alarming statistic: when asked if their dog would ever bite, 50% of respondents said NO, 20% said YES, and the remaining 30% said that they weren’t sure. Every jogger/bicyclist on our roads and trails already knows about this 50:50 chance of a dog bite, so why doesn’t Mr. Alton?
There are many opportunities for dog walking, and there can be many more if people would simply work with the Town, but dogs should not be reintroduced into our conservancies because of what people are doing there. There are larger issues than this in the Town, and I urge all of our residents to vote this election to maintain the status of our conservancies as protected habitats for the enjoyment of our children, our Naturalists, and our senior citizens. I will be voting to re-elect Bill Kolar for Town Board on April 2 since he apparently does get it!
Sincerely,
Dr. Dan McLain
Town of Middleton Park
Commission Chair (retired)
Leave dogs out of conservancy
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/13/2013):
The reintroduction of Dogs in Goth Conservancy seems to be the central focus of Mr. Alton's campaign for the Town of Middleton Board. The inference is that Royce Goth somehow envisioned the land he donated to the Town as becoming a neighborhood dog park.
This might be convenient, but it is simply not true. His wishes have been well established by family members, the executor of his estate, his friends, and town officials who were there at the time and know the facts.
The Town is currently working on ways to open up more areas for dog walking. The Ice Age Trail National Park is less than a mile away from Goth Conservancy with miles of dog walking trails. It would be wrong to degrade Goth Conservancy by introducing dogs for the sake of convenience.
I agree with Mae "Goth" Hartwig's letter to you dated February 14th. The Town of Middleton has done a great job in the first phase of the plan for Goth Conservancy. It is my opinion that it is important that they finish the final phase to increase human interest and traffic. Utilizing interpretive signage and changing the front end of the conservancy including, more parking, grass areas, and picnic tables, will make it more people friendly, and help generate traffic to Goth Conservancy.
It is true that half way thru the development process of Goth Conservancy, there is not enough human traffic as of yet. It is my hope that a "Friends of Goth Conservancy" organization will be formed to help the Town with this last phase and beyond. By working together with family, neighbors, and friends, we can bring Goth Conservancy to the traffic level that we all want.
Goth Conservancy has a beauty of its own, and this final phase will make it a neighborhood conservancy that brings people together. Royce Goth would be pleased.
Sincerely,
Jerry Goth
3 incumbents deserve support
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/13/2013):
From my participation with the Town's Comprehensive Planning Commission (2007-2009), the Plan Commission (2008-present), and the Finance Committee (2011-present), I have had the opportunity to work with the three incumbents and two of the challengers for the Middleton Town Board election on April 2.
From these direct experiences, I am supporting the three incumbents, Milo Breunig, Tim Roehl, and Bill Kolar. I respect them for their honesty, integrity, and fairness. They listen, learn, and then act in the best interests of the Town's residents.
There is financial misinformation being broadcast by two challengers within Internet sites, brochures, and editorials. The Town's finances are not in disarray, nor in a fiscal mess, nor is there irresponsible spending. If real, the Finance Committee would have been the first to know this and recommend preemptive actions to avoid any of these situations. This Committee consists of financial professionals and was formed by the incumbents. At their behest, the scrutiny over the Town's finances has never been better.
Directly from financial data, the Town's spending part of its reserves in 2013 was planned and resulted from savings set aside from previous years.
Town debt is for large capital projects and not to fund operations. Interest spending is only $300,000, not $900,000, is less than 7 percent of the budget, not 30 percent as described by a challenger. There is no plan to spike taxes in 2014 or later. The Finance Committee's goal on day one has been to limit tax growth year to year. The fire district capital improvements are expected in 2015, not 2014, and are planned for about $600,000. The Town's share is 25 percent or $150,000, not $1 million. TIF spending? The Town is only investigating a possible TIF near Seybold Road for a small fee. TIFs are self-contained financial entities. Tax bills for residents outside of the TIF will not increase. All TIF costs are paid by the TIF, not the residents. Once closed, there is a long-term reward to the residents.
Are the Town's finances high risk? Not hardly. The high risk is misused information to coerce voters. The incumbents have a successful history doing what is best for the Town's residents and we should want them to continue to do good things for the Town.
I'm supporting Milo Breunig, Tim Roehl, and Bill Kolar on April 2.
Mike Stoetzel
Town finances are in good shape
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/13/2013):
In a recent Letter to the Editor, town board candidate Cynthia Richson stated that the Town of Middleton's financial affairs were in a mess and will lead to higher property taxes. On March 4th, Town residents at the Board meeting were provided with information that suggests quite a different picture.
Preliminary results project a budget surplus for 2012 and in keeping with past practices, the current Town Board will appropriate these funds to Town reserves to meet future obligations and expenses.
Johnson Block, an independent public accounting firm, is in the process of completing its year end audit work of Town's financial affairs and the Town is on track to earn yet another unqualified opinion - the highest opinion to be garnered.
One of the Town's designated reserves is for the Middleton Fire District and in a presentation from Fire Chief Aaron Harris at the same meeting, it was clear that the Town has sufficient reserves to pay for its share of any capital equipment that may need to be acquired in the near future. He also reminded residents that the Town's share of these expenses for the Fire District is set at 25 percent based on existing agreements with other municipalities. If the Town were to spend $1,000,000 as Candidate Richason implies, then the Middleton Fire District would be spending $4,000,000 in 2014 and that certainly is not the case.
A review of the Town's debt totaling $6,300,000 at year end, showed that nearly 90 percent of this balance was incurred for the reconstruction of Old Sauk Road and our fire stations. The low interest bonds will be retired over the next seven and 16 years respectively. In both situations, the Town earned a high "AA+" rating from Standard and Poor's - another favorable reflection on the Town's financial condition.
The "chicken little" scenario and threats of spikes in tax bills cast by candidates for the Town's Board simply aren't true. When residents look at the facts, they will learn that the Town of Middleton has been able to achieve a budget surplus for 2012, build strong reserves for the future, appropriately fund obligations to the Middleton Fire District, earn high marks from an independent accounting firm and last but not least, achieve a highly respectable AA+ rating from Standard & Poor's. These accomplishments came with a disciplined financial commitment from the Town Board and should be considered when residents vote on April 2nd.
Kevin Mahaney
Chair of town finance committee/
Campaign treasurer for Milo Breunig
Keep Goth in 'natural' state
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/6/2013):
My husband and I have lived adjacent to the Goth Park Conservancy for over 20 years. We have watched as the town made considerable improvements to the park to return it to a "natural prairie condition." The Town removed old buildings, did several controlled burns, removed non-indigenous trees, and created walking paths with benches so that visitors may quietly observe the wildlife.
Royce Goth gave this generous donation of land to the Town to be a place for families to enjoy the wildlife and birds. We agree with Royce's sister, Mae Goth Hartwig, who stated in her letter that her brother would want the park to be better utilized and enjoyed by more people. The addition of interpretative signage would add another interesting aspect to the park.
We feel we need to honor the wishes of the donor who gifted the Town with this parkland. We don't want to lose the impact of the many improvements that the Town has made by introducing dogs into the park and upsetting the natural wildlife that has prospered in
the park in the last few years.
Cara Cavin
Town board incumbents earned support
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/6/2013):
I have had the privilege of being a Town of Middleton resident for the past 47 years. I served on both the Park Commission and then on the Plan Commission. I have witnessed many different town issues over the years and have always felt confidence and pride in how our Town Board and other commissions handled these issues to the benefit of our residents.
One of the Town's latest issues is that some residents want to allow dogs in Goth Park and Pope Farm Park Conservancies. These parks are true jewels of our town. Anyone who hasn't been to one of them is missing an opportunity to observe Wisconsin at its very finest. From the families who owned these properties originally to the current town ownership, all should be very proud of their accomplishments to create and maintain these incredible properties for the enjoyment of everyone who wants to visit them.
There are many places in our town to walk dogs. The Park Commission is actively pursuing even more possibilities. I am confident our current leadership in the town will, as they always have, do the right thing for all of our residents, including their dogs. I do not feel it is the town's job to provide endless opportunities for me to walk and exercise my dog - that is my responsibility.
I ask that you support our current board members in the Spring Election. Milo Breunig, Bill Kolar, and Tim Roehl have all served our town well in all areas of leadership. Please honor their good work by re-electing them on April 2.
Lynn Schultz
Conservancies should stay dog free
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 3/6/2013):
I moved to the Town of Middleton in 2005, only discovering Pope Farm Park (now Conservancy) in 2009. Since then I have been a regular visitor, accumulating hundreds of photos. I love this conservancy and through my photographic studies I have taken many looks - both up close and from afar. I know the park. Although most of my photos are of the farm, fields, natural terrain and wildlife, I have photographed how individuals use the conservancy. Some of the most salient images have been of elders walking the trails; couples walking hand in hand; yoga practitioners holding poses; runners, snow shoers and cross-country skiers enjoying hill and dale; and families of all ages picnicking together or studying the educational signage.
The natural sounds of the conservancy - rustling leaves, soft winds, and songbirds, sweetly complement these images. Even the infrequent, low rumble of farm equipment cultivates an appreciation of nature.
On a personal note, when the weather warms, I relish lying in the tall soft grasses in the hill area west of the Oak Savannah. I am truly grateful there is a “no dog” policy because there is no luxuriating in the tall grasses where there are dogs. Although pooper scoopers abound, I have yet to see one for urine. Equally important, there are no happy yips, startling barks or menacing growls to break the peace. Moreover, from a wildlife perspective, dogs are predators and their scent discourages wildlife. Sadly, normal dog activity can easily challenge fragile habitats.
A conservancy is meant to conserve. Allowing dogs, no matter how well intentioned their owners, will change the nature of the conservancy. Making it a dog-walk area will invite many folks and their dogs from surrounding communities; increased density of use would further challenge the goal of conserving. I have had pet dogs and I much appreciate these wonderful companions and their need for exercise. I also believe communities need to make accommodations to dog owners. However, I must repeat that a conservancy is meant to conserve and to best maintain the natural beauty, serenity and educational opportunities of Pope Farm Conservancy, we need to keep it dog free.
Jack Sherman
Dogs need their own space, away from conservancies
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 2/28/2013):
Conservancy is about preserving the animals, plants and natural communities that represent the diversity of life. Migratory birds are a priceless part of our heritage. It is a fact that Wisconsin is number three in the U.S. in migratory birds (following Minnesota at number one and Michigan at number 2). These birds depend upon safe passage through our area. Birds are indicators of the integrity of the environments that provide us with clean air and water, fertile soils and abundant wildlife.
Unfortunately, dogs prey on and chase birds for enjoyment. We appreciate birds, wildlife and we've always have dogs as a part of our family. We would rather support a dog exercise park, rather than having dogs within any conservancy that would scare away the birds that depend on safe passage through our state.
Our home is in the Town of Middleton that is next to a subdivision. Many neighbors are dog owners. When we ride our horses on our property next to a fenced-in area, dogs chase our horses on the fence line. Again, this is a dog's natural instinct to chase. We believe Cesar Millan, the famous dog whisperer, when he says that it is not the dogs that cause problems; it is the owners that do not control their dogs appropriately.
As our area continues to develop, more dogs will populate the area. What is needed is to have a place for the owners and dogs to exercise where they can be free to run, but not disturb our natural conservancy areas that have a greater purpose to preserve and appreciate our natural heritage. Dogs do have a place to run, play, meet (and sniff) new dogs and even can catch balls or Frisbees. The City of Middleton has off-leash dog exercise areas for dogs and their owners. Madison is ranked fourth in the nation for number of dog parks per resident, there are a dog parks number to choose from. Dogs are required to have a permit, a dog license. The closest dog park to conservancy is in the City of Middleton,
less than a mile away from the Goth Conservancy.
Owners do have a place to exercise their dogs off leash in the Madison/Middleton Area. The annual fee for use of the Middleton dog park is $27. Let Conservancy Parks provide preservation of animals, plants and natural communities. Let dogs have fun in dog parks and be free from potentially harming the natural balance of conservancy communities.
Ruth & Jim Dumesic
Keep conservancies free from dogs
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 2/28/2013):
Keep our Conservancies an ongoing heritage project free of dogs. A strong connection to nature is imperative in our hectic lives. Visiting a quiet space where birdsong in the breeze as the primary sound is a rare jewel not to be disturbed. Dogs need a place of their own more suited to running, playing and sniffing. Let's keep going forward with preservation at Goth and Pope Farm and find a new exercise area for our canine friends.
Carol Jean Schnier
Dogs would upset Goth's balance
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 2/28/2013):
My wife and I lived in The Town of Middleton on Goth Park for 25 years. Early on I became a part of the Town's Parks Commission as a way of “giving back” to the community. I was proud of being a part of the early development of Goth Conservancy, Settlers Prairie Park, and later as a Supervisor voting to purchase what is now Pope Farm Conservancy.
Working with friend Jim Judd who was Royce Goth's executor, I helped to develop early plans for Goth Park, laying out the trails and paths with landscaper Jim Watts, meeting with University professors and students to develop a master plan that met the wishes of Mr. Goth, and helping neighbors to install blue bird houses and start a process to rid the Park of invasive species.
Later as a member of the board of Supervisors for the Town, and after some requests, we looked into dogs being allowed in our parks on leash. We agreed to a temporary trial, putting up clear signs stating "dogs on leash only" and provided bags for waste. But it was clear early on that it would not work. We could see from our home's second floor windows looking into the rear of the park that many dogs were not kept on leash and ran throughout the park. One dog even ran into our yard at full speed after our dog and frightened my wife. Many other residents reported similar problems so the board voted to not allow dogs into the Pope Farm and Goth Conservancies.
The intent of the generous parkland donation by Mr. Goth was for a natural park according to his family and friends, one where wildlife could live and prosper. Unfortunately, the introduction of dogs would upset that goal. I do hope that more people learn about and use this wonderful park. Please vote to save Goth Conservancy – it is a special place to enjoy. If you walk through the park, you will understand.
Bob Irvine
Past experiences show dogs will cause problems
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 2/21/2013):
I have followed with some interest the latest proposal to allow dogs in Pope Farm Conservancy. It appears the proponent's primary argument is that we should try this and see if it can work.
I served on the Parks Commission for the Town for approximately nine years, two years as the chairman. At that time I pushed hard to allow for dog walking at the Pope Farm site. My principal interest was to get more people exercising by walking their dogs. We interviewed numerous staff and experts from other park systems about dog walking in parks. Most basically shook their heads and said "goodluck."
Despite this lack of endorsement the Town Board affirmed our request to give leashed dog walking a try. Early on the instances of dogs off leash were not that frequent. However, as the number of park users grew, so too did the violations. The Board then developed a ranger program to better address enforcement and public education. Despite these efforts the number of dog management incidents continued to grow. The day I knew we could not keep up came when I noticed the demonstration crop farmer had stopped his combine to clean out plastic bags full of dog waste. Evidently even many of those folks who kept their dog on leash, and picked up after their pooch, found it more convenient to just toss the bag into the fields and let the farmer pick it up.
So Pope Farm was closed to dogs.Since then we have tried to follow some guidance provided by the City of Fitchburg. Their suggestion has been to allow leashed dog walking primarily where it is easily visible from the road. With this input and participation from Home Owners Associations the Town has allowed leashed dog walking in a couple of parks in two neighborhoods, Cherrywood and Sauk Prairie Estates. While these experiments have not goneperfectly, they seem to be manageable.
I would suggest proponents look at these examples in order to identify areas in their neighborhoods for dog walking. The reality is we have a lot of experience around this issue, the town leadership has been very responsive, and we've been through a fair amount of trial and error.
Let's use this knowledge to come up with workable options, rather than just open up the conservancies all over again. Thank you.
John Neumann,
Cherrywood HOA President
Honor Goth's land use wishes
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 2/21/2013):
I read Mae (Goth) Hartwig's letter to the editor regarding the park that her brother Royce Goth so graciously gifted to the Town of Middleton in his estate. I was Royce's neighbor and also the executor of his estate.
When Royce Goth drafted his final will, he was concerned of how the park would be used by the Town of Middleton. He would be happy with the progress made on improving the park since his death because of the efforts to keep it as natural as possible.
His major concern was that the Town might try to change the natural aspects of the park including the woods, trails and wildlife. He would never have wanted it to become a dog park.
Royce enjoyed gardening and spending time on his family's estate. This land is home to an abundance of wildlife including deer and wild turkeys. The clearing of the invasive species and other improvements to the park have made it the natural neighborhood park that he envisioned. Please honor his wishes and keep the park a natural wonder for all residents to use.
Jim Judd
Conservancy the wrong place for dog walking
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 2/21/2013):
We read the article in the February 17 edition of the Middleton Times-Tribune concerning Mr. Alton's stance to let dogs back into Goth Conservancy. We think most people agree that there should be places for people to walk dogs. However, a conservancy by its very nature is not the place to do it.
Conservancies by definition are quiet, tranquil places that cater to people and wildlife. A lot of people are nervous around unfamiliar dogs, and especially dogs off leash. Enforcement of the leash law has been proven to be unenforceable. Another issue is dog waste left by those owners that don't have the decency to pick up after their dog.
When going to a conservancy, we are there to see the wildlife and habitat without meeting up with someone's unruly dog and having to remind someone to keep their dog on a leash. Dogs running through the prairies have a negative impact on the wildlife and are a particular threat to ground nesting birds.
The Town of Middleton has put a tremendous amount of effort and money into restoring the wildlife habitat in these conservancies, and reintroducing dogs back into that habitat is counterproductive. We need a way to protect our conservancies while at the same time finding appropriate places for dog walking.
The current Town of Middleton board members have created a very reasonable policy of not allowing dogs within our conservancies and at the same time are trying to solve the problem of finding an appropriate place where dogs can be exercised. We believe this is the right approach and that is one reason why we are supporting Bill Kolar for re-election to the Town Board on April 2.
Sincerely,
Curt and Arlys Caslavka
Incumbents have Lawson’s support
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 2/14/2013):
I have been a Town of Middleton resident for 40 years, and I have observed many combinations of Supervisors on the Town Board. The current Board of Supervisors is definitely worth keeping. They are open, listen, and try to be as fair as possible in the decisions they make. The Town of Middleton portion of our property taxes has actually gone down over the last four years, yet the services we are provided are excellent.
The board has avoided unnecessary and expensive lawsuits that would take away some of these services. When I look at the parks, trails, conservancies, roads, law enforcement services, fire service, staff, and crew (what a job they did in that December snowstorm), I am thankful I live here. Please join me in my support for current board members Tim Roehl,Milo Bruenig, and Bill Kolar on April 2, and I thank them for a job well done.
Sincerely,
Ardith Lawson
Respect Goth’s conservancy vision
(Letter to the editor Middleton Times Tribune 2/14/2013):
I am proud to be 94 years old and Royce Goth’s sister. I was born and raised on the Goth farm on Old Sauk Road, in the Town of Middleton. I must say, that if Royce were alive, he would be very disappointed in the current political climate concerning the land he donated, that we now know as Goth Conservancy.
First, he would be disappointed because the land he donated was to bring people together, not tear them apart. Second, he would be saddened by the fact the Goth Conservancy is underutilized. Third, clearly he would not want Goth Conservancy to become a dog park. Less than a mile away from Goth Conservancy is a national park that features miles of trails for dog walking.
Thus far the town has done an excellent job of developing Goth Conservancy. The first phase was to remove the invasive species, and in particular the black locust trees that were prominent on the property. The second phase was to restore native habitat.
In my opinion, the third phase has not been done yet, and that is the human interest phase. My hope is that this final portion of the plan is done soon.
I have photographs of the original Goth log cabin, letters from settlers in the 1850s and 1860s describing their life here in America, and many more items that could be used on interpretive signage to help create human interest and thus create more traffic to the conservancy (similar to Pope Farm). The Max Kade Institute and others could help with this if asked. I believe the front entrance should be modified to be more inviting, and a lawn area should be put in place with picnic tables to invite people to come and enjoy one another.
I believe that we are only half way through the plan for Goth Conservancy,and we ought not to “change
horses in the middle of the stream.”
The Town needs time to complete what they have started. I do hope that you can accept Royce’s benevolence with grace.
Kindest Regards,
Mae (Goth) Hartwig
