Clingman Property Acquisition

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), has purchased the 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!

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. As the relocation of Hwy. 78 has been postponed to 2009, this project will have to wait as it is not currently practical when you consider access and safety.

In the meantime, a large boulder has been donated for the donor's monument. You can see the large orange and pink stone on Kilpatrick Point Rd. It is on the south side of the road between Coves Court and Kassner Rd.

As we move forward, you can contribute to this parks future!

Help Protect a piece of Lake Wisconsin shoreline for future generations!

The Clingman Property

	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!
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.

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

We will keep the site natural.
We will protect the existing riparian habitat.
Eventually provide offshore fishing opportunities with the possibility of a handicap accessible fishing pier.
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.
Possibly lake access for boats and canoes.

How We are Conserving this Land:

The Town received a $195,000 Lake Protection Grant from the DNR and raised $65,000 in private donations!
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.
The Town plans to construct a plaque/monument honoring donors.
Donors will be honored depending upon the size of their donation.
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