Local Family to Challenge Wetlands Destruction

The Carol Hagerman family announced today that they will do all they can to prevent approval for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to destroy 3.2 acres of wetlands on their family farm. The Hagerman family received notice that the WisDOT has applied for a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to "discharge fill material into 13.26 acres of wetland" along the proposed 131 reconstruction route. Almost 25% of that wetland acreage is on the Hagerman farm, which has been developed as a wildlife refuge. For the past 10 years, a family of sandhill cranes has been nesting on the Hagerman wetlands and the family is committed to protecting their sanctuary. They have made an appeal to the International Crane Foundation for assistance in their struggle to save the wetlands.

Carol and son, Bill Hagerman, have spoken out repeatedly at local meetings and public hearings against the unnecessary elevation of the entire roadbed for the improved 131. It is this roadbed elevation that requires the destructive fill material. As active members of the group, Taxpayers for 2A, mother and son have promoted the less destructive 2A road design, which replaces the bridges and reconstructs highway 131 on the existing roadbed.

Taxpayers for 2A has filed a request for reconsideration of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), because the 2A design option was dropped in 1992 for no justifiable reason. Research into the history of the development of the FEIS revealed that in 1990, the DNR and the Army Corps and the WisDOT all agreed that the only reasonable alternative for development in the Draft EIS was "the improvement of the existing highway to current design standards." Yet, in 1992, when the Draft EIS was released, the 2A alternative, which is the only design option that "improves the existing highway to current design standards", was dropped. The Hagerman family believes that this elimination of the "only reasonable design option" is illegal. According to the law, if private property is to be taken under eminent domain, the State must first demonstrate that they have exhausted all other feasible options. Further, in order for the Army Corps of Engineers to issue a permit for the filling in of wetlands, the WisDOT must first prove that there is no other possible road building option.

Carol Hagerman said: "I will continue to believe, until it is proved otherwise, that the WisDOT broke the law when they dismissed the 2A road design in 1992. That illegal action, deprived our local citizens of needed information to make an enlightened choice in road designs for highway 131."

Fund Raiser Lamb Roast and Picnic to Save the Kickapoo Wetlands

Sponsored by the Hagerman family and Taxpayers for 2A (for a saner, safer 131 design)

At the Bill and Cheri Hagerman "Wildridge Farm" 1 mile south of Ontario on 131(look for balloons)

Saturday, October 21st: 1 to 6 p.m.

5.00 all you can eat!

Tickets available at local stores or at the door

Help protect wildlife that depend on the wetlands for survival!

For more information, call: 608-337-4827 or 337-4480