Will a Limestone Quarry Disrupt a Celebrated Wisconsin Rail-Trail?
On Monday, March 16, 2015, officials in Monroe County, Wis., voted to approve a limestone quarry near the Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wilton, despite more than 380 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and Wisconsin Bike Fed supporters who sent messages to officials in opposition of this project. The quarry, situated a stone’s throw from the trail, would significantly (negatively) impact local tourism revenue as well as the safety of trail users.
In a March 17, 2015, blog post on the issue, Wisconsin Bike Fed Executive Director Dave Cieslewicz writes:
“Last night, a Monroe County committee voted to approve an open-pit gravel mine on the Elroy-Sparta Trail along Logan Road in the Town of Wilton. But a lawsuit has been filed, and the project’s future is still somewhat in doubt.
The Sanitation, Planning and Zoning, and Dog Control Committee voted to approve a conditional use permit for the road building company Mathy Construction after an intense, but respectful, public hearing attended by about 70 people, most of them opposed to the mine. During the public hearing, 24 people spoke, with four in favor and 20 opposed.”
Check out the blog link below for the full story. RTC will continue to monitor this issue for new developments.
