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“A pool”;
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“Hoping stones on the lagoon.”;
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“A WATER SLIDE!!!!!!.......”;
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“Have multiple beaches”;
These results also confirm the findings of the online public survey in that there is a desire for Vilas Park to maintain much of its current character, such as open fields for recreation, access to water and playground spaces. This must be taken into account when designing improvements for these spaces. Improvements to these spaces could be subtle, such as regrading the fields for drainage to improve playability, to more extensive modifications to the playgrounds and lagoon.
INTERAGENCY REGULATORY MEETINGS Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR), US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the HoChunk Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) were all engaged in the planning effort during Phase I to provide regulatory input related to Vilas Park. Meetings in Phase II focused on identifying potential roadblocks or concerns related to permitting for future phases of the master plan build-out, specifically related to modifications of the lagoon and Lake Wingra shoreline. The meetings also focused on identifying sensitive cultural and natural resource areas that could be impacted by park improvements. Below are the key takeaways from the meetings with the ACOE and WI DNR during Phase II. Army Corps of Engineers During a meeting on May 18, 2020, the ACOE provided the following information to the project team: •
Army Corps jurisdiction is limited to discharge into navigable waterways.
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How the work is completed is the primary driver, rather than the type of work.
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Wildlife Pond Enhancement/Section 27 permits may need to be considered.
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Boardwalk install does not constitute a discharge and thus does not need an ACOE permit.
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Installation of stormwater ponds is not permittable in existing wetland areas under ACOE permitting. Ponds in wetland areas must be for wildlife enhancement, not specifically for stormwater management.
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Master plan should provide general recommendations construction methodology.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources The project team met with the WI DNR on April 20, 2020. Below are comments and questions from the meeting by DNR staff that the project team will address in the final master plan or master plan report: VILAS PARK MASTER PLAN 2020
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