Richard
A. Grant Park
Clingman
Property Acquisition - A Land Conservation Project of the Town of Merrimac
 The
Town of Merrimac, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), purchased the then Clingman property on Weigand's Bay.
With the disposition of the Badger Army
Ammunition Plant (BAAP) pump house, which the DNR hopes to acquire, this
property on Lake Wisconsin will become the largest park and conservation space
for public enjoyment! This land was funded through state grants and
private donations! The Town did not levy any taxes to make this park
happen! In April 2009, the Town Board named the park the Richard A. Grant
Park as without his leadership, this project may never have been conceived or
completed.
Key timelines surrounding the project
include the apportionment of BAAP and the relocation of Hwy. 78. Any
development for day camping, etc., will most likely be on the portion where the
pump house currently sits. Until the BAAP apportionment is resolved and
the pump house is removed, that portion will remain as it is today. The
Town wants to place a handicap fishing area in the bay along the current Hwy. 78
corridor. The relocation of Hwy. 78 began in April of 2009, a dedication
stone has been located on the property, and the pier should be placed in 2010.
As
we move forward, you can contribute to this parks future, but time for being
recognized on the monument is running out!
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Help
Protect a piece of Lake Wisconsin shoreline for future generations!
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The
Clingman Property
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- 12 acres, 1,050 ft. lake
frontage.
- With BAAP land: 17 acres,
1/2 mile of lake frontage.
- The Town owns 6
acres with 550 ft. of frontage.
- Undeveloped
forestland. Last occupied in 1938!
- Home to several wildlife
species including deer, turkey, eagles, osprey & herons!
- Offshore fishing
opportunities include largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike,
musky, sturgeon & more!
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- Located off of Hwy.78
- Adjoins BAAP property,
which will likely be given to WI DNR
- When Hwy. 78 is located in
2007, Old Hwy. 78 will likely go to the town and could be added to
this park space.
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What
Could Have Become of the Clingman Property
Development of
lakeshore properties in the Town have been going on at a record pace. One
development consumed 54 acres of undeveloped land with 2,500 feet of shore land.
These properties are selling at record amounts. This property, too, would
have been developed if it were put into conservation.
What Will
Become of the Clingman Property
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We will
keep the site natural.
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We will
protect the existing riparian habitat.
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Eventually
provide
offshore fishing opportunities with the possibility of a handicap accessible
fishing pier.
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In
conjunction with the Sauk Prairie (BAAP lands), the site could someday
include a hiking trail destination, a day use area, and/or a Hwy. 78
information kiosk.
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Possibly
lake access for boats and canoes.
How We are
Conserving this Land:
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The Town
received a $195,000 Lake Protection Grant from the DNR and raised
$65,000 in private donations!
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The
Natural Heritage Land
Trust provided a bridge loan while the town continued its
fundraising efforts. All closing costs and loan expense came from the
newly created park fund.
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The Town
plans to construct a plaque/monument honoring donors.
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Donors
will be honored depending upon the size of their donation.
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Any
donation size will be accepted, however, a minimum of $500 is required for
plaque recognition.
Make
your contribution today! Donations
to the town and for parks are tax-deductible.
Consult
a professional to see if you are eligible!
Make
your contribution payable to:
Town
of Merrimac
Town
of Merrimac Park Fund
ATTN:
Tim McCumber, Town
Administrator
P.O.
Box 115
Merrimac,
WI 53561
Any additional
questions can be directed to Tim
McCumber.
Tim can be reached by email
or by calling 643-6332.
Tim is also available to speak to your group or business
List
of Donors
Donor
Form
More
Photos of the Clingman Property
Press
Releases
Foundation
Donates to Park Effort!
Town
Receives Honor
Town
to Receive Stewardship Award
Fiskars,
Alliant Lead Corporate Donors
Town
of Merrimac Closes Park Deal!
DNR
Grants Town of Merrimac $195,000 for Park Clingman
Donates $10,000 to Park Effort Glacier
Valley Gobblers Add to Merrimac Park Fund Memorials
Add to Park Fund Sportsmen,
Anglers Support Merrimac Park Foundation
Boosts Merrimac Park Effort Town
of Merrimac to Conserve Land Photos
courtesy of Donna Stehling & WI DNR
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