This term, I am a member of the Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, where I serve as vice chair. As part of this group, I am able to work toward preserving our green space here in Dane County.

Morton Forest is the newest addition to our parks system. This beautiful land is just outside Mazomanie and covers 114 acres. Like many of our parks and forests, it offers year-round recreation for guests.

Dane County is home to seven dog parks. Dogs are welcome in all of our county parks as long as they have a permit and a municipal dog license. The county permits may be purchased at the park or online at www.reservedane.com.

This spring, grant money will help renovate the Tenney Lock and Dam. Work on this project is expected to last approximately one month. The goal is to have all work completed before Memorial Day weekend.

In addition to our lovely park spaces, this committee prioritizes reducing pollutants like phosphorus in our waterways. Dane County works hard to remove pollutants that exist in the water, as well as to prevent them from entering in the first place. Healthier water provides for a healthier community.

One huge contributing factor to the increase of phosphorous in our lakes and streams is manure from our dairy farms. There are already plans in place to control the liquid manure that is spread on fields during the winter months. There is discussion about also focusing on solid manure. The goal would be to support our farmers, while also protecting our waterways. Working with the agricultural community will be key to a program that provides for successful crops as well as pollution reduction.

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or issues. I can be reached at 335-6827 or ritt.michele@countyofdane.com.