5.2.7 FOREST RESOURCES
As of 2021, there were 162,323 acres of forest cover in Crawford County, about
42% of the County's total land area. The forests in Ferryville can be noted from the
photomap used in Figure Number 7.
More information can be found using the website-search: forest cover in Crawford
County Wisconsin.
5.2.7.1 FORESTED AREAS
There are a number of benefits associated with forested areas including:
1. Slows storm water flow
2. Intercepts and absorbs rainwater
3. Alleviates pressure on drainage ways
4. Provides wildlife habitat
5. Provides relief against wind, heat, and cold
Since property owners have experienced tree losses to insects or disease in the past,
tree planting is encouraged in the Village.
Ferryville has Managed Forest law properties. the Plan Commission (recommends the
Village of Ferryville seek a legal opinion before developing an ordinance that
effectively prevents the renewal of existing permits for Managed Forests in Ferryville
and also effectively prevents the addition of any more acreage in Ferryville in the
Wisconsin Managed Forest Law Program until Payment in Lieu of Taxes fully equals
or exceeds the lost tax revenue.
5.2.8 GEOLOGIC AND MINERAL RESOURCES
Soils and geology are also important planning considerations, particularly when
thinking about new development. However, it is important that these resources not
be abused, overused, or contaminated. Particular attention must be paid when
development is occurring on steeper slopes.
Most of south/southwest Wisconsin's bedrock is sedimentary rock, consisting of
sandstone and shale or limestone. Metallic resources in the region include lead and
zinc, but there is no evidence of metallic mining in the Village of Ferryville.
Non-metallic resources include sand, gravel, and limestone. Limestone for road
building is one of the most significant non-metallic geologic resources in the area
today.
5.2.8.1 NON-METALLIC MINE RECLAMATION
In June of 2001, all Wisconsin counties were obliged to adopt an ordinance for
nonmetallic mine reclamation. The Village of Ferryville has not adopted a
non-metallic reclamation ordinance of its own. The purpose of the ordinance is to
achieve acceptable final site reclamation to an approved post-mining land use in
compliance with uniform reclamation standards. Uniform reclamation standards
address environmental protection measures including topsoil salvage and storage,
surface and groundwater protection, and concurrent reclamation to minimize
acreage exposed to wind and water erosion.
5.2.8.2 QUARRIES
The Village of Ferryville has no quarries within its boundaries, but one exists within
the extraterritorial areas.
5.2.9 OPEN SPACE AND PARKS
The value of open space lies in its inherent protection of ecologically sensitive areas
including wetlands and water resources, important wildlife habitat, and sensitive
soils. Preserving open spaces not only directly protects resources, but the space itself
becomes a vital buffer zone, since nothing can replace the visual impact of open
space, whether it is agricultural land or woodlands. Open space can take the form of
parks, cropland and pastures, greenbelts, wetlands, or floodplains. It can also serve
many functions for a community other than recreation, such as preservation of scenic
and natural resources, flood management, protection of water resources, preserving
prime agricultural land, limiting development that may occur, buffering incompatible
land uses, and structuring the community environment.
5.2.10 LOCAL PARK AND RECREATION RESOURCES
Although the Village of Ferryville does not have an Outdoor Recreation Plan
promoting the Village's recreational resources, the natural resources of Ferryville
attract numerous recreational users, such as hunters, fishermen, campers, bird
watchers, cyclists, snowmobilers, bikers, 4-wheelers, etc.
Ferryville amenities are:
1. Village boat landing
2. Sugar Creek Park
3. Riverview Park observation deck
4. Sugar Creek Trout Fishing
5.2.11 LAND COVER
Figure Numbers 6, 6A, and 7 show the number of natural resources in and near the
Village of Ferryville. Figure Number 7 also shows the location of forested lands, open
water, and wetlands.
5.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES
The purpose of this section is to inventory and support the management of cultural
resources in the Village of Ferryville.
5.3.1 CULTURAL RESOURCE PUBLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTATION
Maintaining a written record of cultural resources is an excellent way of educating
residents about a community's past as well as encouraging tourism. The Village has
two websites: Ferryville.com and visitferryville.com providing information promoting
its local cultural resources.
5.3.2 LOCAL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
There is no local historical society in the Village of Ferryville. For more information on
cultural resources, contact the Crawford County Historical Society:
Prairie Du Chien/Fort Crawford Museum
Historical Society
P. O. Box 298
Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821
608-326-6960
5.3.3 HISTORICAL
Wisconsin Historical Markers identify, commemorate, and honor the important
people, places, and events that have contributed to the state's rich heritage. The
Wisconsin Historical Society's Division of Historic Preservation administers the
Historical Markers program. Contact them for more information.
A Historical Marker has been placed in Ferryville at the Riverview Park. It
commemorates Patrick Lucey, Former Governor, who was born in Ferryville.
5.3.4 CULTURAL RESOURCE PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Cultural resource programs and special events are very effective methods of bringing
people of a community together to celebrate their cultural history. Not only do these
special events build community spirit, but they can also be important to the local
economy. Special events in Ferryville include Ferryville Bluff Daze, Market in the Park,
Bald Eagle Day, etc.
5.3.5 CHURCHES
Churches historically have had a significant impact on the culture of a community.
They sometimes are also the only places where rural residents can gather to discuss
important issues in their community. There are no churches in Ferryville, but several
are located within reasonable driving distances and are attended by some Ferryville
residents.
5.3.6 CEMETERIES
Cemeteries are identified as prominent historic and cultural resources. They can
provide a historic perspective of an area, providing names and ethnicities of previous
residents, linking a community to its past. Ferryville has a cemetery on Cemetery
Road, under the management of the Village.
5.3.7 ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY INVENTORY (AHI)
The Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a collection of information on historic
buildings, structures, sites, objects, and historic districts throughout Wisconsin. The
Wisconsin Historical Society's Division of Historic Preservation maintains the
inventory. Contact the Wisconsin Historical Society for more information about the
inventory.
5.3.8 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE INVENTORY (ASI)
The Archaeological Site Inventory (ASI) is a collection of archaeological sites,
mounds, unmarked cemeteries, marked cemeteries, and cultural sites (at the town
level) throughout Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Historical Society's Division of Historic
Preservation maintains the inventory. Similar to the AHI, the ASI is not a
comprehensive or complete list; it only includes sites reported to the Historical
Society. The Historical Society estimates that less than 1% of the archaeological sites
in the state have been identified.
Wisconsin law protects Native American burial mounds, unmarked burials, and all
marked and unmarked cemeteries from intentional disturbance. Contact the
Wisconsin Historical Society for more information about the inventory.
5.3.9 STATE AND NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
The AHI contains all the documented historic sites in a community, as well as a list of
those sites that are on the State and National Register of Historic Places. The
National Register is the official national list of historic properties in America worthy of
preservation, maintained by the National Park Service (U.S. Department of the
Interior). The State Register is Wisconsin's official listing of state properties
determined to be significant to Wisconsin's heritage and is maintained by the
Wisconsin Historical Society's Division of Historic Preservation. Both listings include
sites, buildings, structures, objects, and districts that are significant in national, state,
or local history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Contact the
National Park Service or State Historical Society for more information on registration.
5.3.10 GOALS
Preservation of cultural, historic, and archaeological sites.
5.3.11 OBJECTIVES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
The following cultural resources objectives and policy recommendations (not in order
of priority) will support the above goal and will guide cultural resource decisions in
the Village of Ferryville over the next 10 years.
1. Encourage the education of local residents on the importance of cultural
resources.
2. Continue to support important community festivals and cultural events.
3. Promote tourism opportunities and continue to pursue efforts to capitalize on local
resources in conjunction with programs like walking tours, Wisconsin Historical
Markers Program, distributing ATV or bike trail maps, and maintaining trails.
4. Where and when appropriate, utilize county, state, and federal programs or
grants to conserve, maintain, and protect cultural resources.
5. Encourage the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and the Crawford County
Zoning Department to enforce the requirements for flood proof holding tanks for any
non-sewered existing developments in the flood plain. Ferryville may consider
revising its floodplain zoning ordinances.
6 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
6.1 CHAPTER INTRODUCTION
Economic development is about the community and Village Board/Leadership
working together to retain and create jobs, retain and create business opportunities
that result in a positive standard of living for the community. It requires a leadership
that supports and assists local businesses and individuals working toward the goal of
business retention and growth, job retention and growth. A positive and supportive
environment is the standard for economic development.
Economic development is important because it pays operating costs, jobs support
families and tax revenues which support the community. Increased personal income
and wealth increases the tax space and allows the community to provide services
that residents and businesses need and want. Through the comprehensive planning
process, residents can find a direction and act proactively for improved economic
development, benefiting the entire community.
6.2 GOALS
1. Promote the expansion or stabilization of the current economic base and the
creation of employment opportunities.
2. Provide adequate infrastructure, public services, and identify developable land to
meet existing and future market demand for residential, commercial, and light
industrial uses.
3. Promote the redevelopment of land with existing infrastructure and public services
and the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing residential, commercial, and
industrial structures.
4. Encourage entrepreneurial business activities of all sizes to increase the tax base
and local employment.
6.3 OBJECTIVES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
The following Economic Development objectives and policy recommendations (not in
order of priority) support the above goals to help guide local economic development
decisions for the next 10 years.
We recommend:
1. Local telephone and cable companies continue to provide and to improve
broadband and Internet services.
2. Home based entrepreneurial activities that have no or minimal impact on adjacent
properties. An ordinance to regulate their approval may be needed.
3. Entrepreneurial activity such as the sale of locally grown and created products,
and services from roadside markets, home based sales and storefront shops.
4. Identifying locations that are appropriate for commercial and light manufacturing,
while keeping in mind adequate utilities and road access.
5. Continued support of local events intended to attract people to the Village, such as
the Ferryville River Bluff Daze and Tractor Pull, Market in the Park, and Bald Eagle
Day, promote attractions for outdoor recreation such as Sugar Creek birding/hiking
day, and Fall Migration Observation from River View Park.
6. Commercial activities in existing commercial locations where public roads and
facilities and services have capacity to accommodate high volumes of traffic, parking,
and other public needs.
7. Commercial activities in appropriate areas other than the downtown business
district, in instances where no commercial space exists in the CBD (Central Business
District) and when the proposed use is more appropriate elsewhere.
8. Welcome and support light industrial and commercial businesses in or near
Ferryville while recognizing that the landscape is not conducive to heavy
industrial/commercial business uses.
6.4 ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC BASE AND LABOR FORCE
Village of Ferryville's economic base is in the service sector, in commercial and retail
trade. For the local labor force, the jobs available in Crawford County and in adjacent
counties are important, as most employed people commute out of the village for
employment. This also increases the need for upgrading and resurfacing Wisconsin
35.
Tourism contributes to the local economic base. For the same reason that residents
want to live here, visitors want to enjoy the tremendous natural beauty and partake
in four-season recreational opportunities. The setting is a competitive advantage for
local job creation by targeting for growth in tourist services and attraction
businesses. Fishing, both summer and ice fishing, duck hunting, deer hunting, and
turkey hunting has an impact in the community, bringing economic development to
vacation rentals, motel rentals, gasoline and supplies purchases, and restaurant
income. In addition, birding on Sugar Creek Bluff and along the Mississippi also has an
increasing impact on tourism.
Village tourists, seeking hiking, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities also
make a significant economic impact on the vacation rental business. The presence of
50-60 trains (in a 24-hour period) of the BNSF railway also provides opportunities for
rail fans (those who watch and photograph trains). All of these tourism activities
provide economic impact via room tax, purchases in restaurants, and weekend and
week-long rentals.
6.4.1 ECONOMIC BASE
The economic base of the village is mainly tourism, with additional revenue
generated within the community.
6.4.2 ANALYSIS OF THE LABOR FORCE
According to census data for Ferryville, in 2000, 52.8% of the population participated
in the workforce, in 2010 that percentage went up to 59.6%, and in 2020 it went
down to 46.9%, although the working age population 18-65 has remained relatively
stable at approximately 50%.
Gradually the community is growing older, and many residents have moved in from
elsewhere to retire here. Therefore, the labor force is expected to decrease.
According to the most recent data from the 2020 US Census the labor force in
Ferryville is as follows:
42.6% Labor Force Participation (46.9%)
41.9% Employment Rate (45%)
1.5% Unemployment Rate (1.9%)
The population has increased from 176 in 2010 to 192 in 2021.
Retail business development is recommended that supports the trend for tourism and
related business growth. Outdoor recreation is an increasing niche market of the
economy which is a positive fit with the space and landscape of Ferryville and
adjacent areas. Driftless Development, Inc. is the Crawford County Economic
Development entity and is an opportunity for partnership.
6.5 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
For success in economic development, a community needs to identify its strengths
and weaknesses, then emphasize the strengths, and minimize the effects of the
weaknesses. Following is a summary of strengths and weaknesses based on a
review of previous community survey responses and other plan elements.
VILLAGE OF FERRYVILLE STRENGTHS
1. People want to live here for the beauty and clean environment.
2. A community that is safe, friendly and a great place to raise a family.
3. The cost of living is lower than most.
4. Proximity to larger towns.
VILLAGE OF FERRYVILLE WEAKNESSES
1. A population with slow growth and many workers nearing retirement.
2. Lack of good job opportunities, which contributes to young workers leaving the
area.
3. Lack of locations for businesses with adequate infrastructure, such as parking.
4. Distance for emergency services.
5. Fire protection, EMTs, and First Responders are volunteers only (changed
5/12/10).
6.6 FUTURE BUSINESS.
Ferryville has a limited inventory of land designated for industry and served by
utilities and roads. As part of an economic development plan, it is important for
municipalities and the county to work together to identify additional acres for
business development. Of the acres currently identified as available, some may be
difficult to develop due to environmental, cost, or other issues. Further, large and
relatively flat sites need to be available to attract some large development projects.
6.7 ENVIRONMENTALLY CONTAMINATED SITES
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Remediation and
Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTS) lists the current and historic sites in
Ferryville.
7 - INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
7.1 CHAPTER INTRODUCTION
Many cities, towns, villages, and counties begin cooperative arrangements to lower
costs and promote efficiency. Intergovernmental cooperation is an effective way for
local governments to respond to changing and diverse needs by collaborating with
neighbors, while maintaining their own identity. Most arrangements involve only two
governmental units, but there are also agreements among multiple units. This section
examines what intergovernmental cooperation the Village of Ferryville is engaged in
today, and what they may consider in the future.
7.2 GOAL
Encouragement of coordination and cooperation among nearby units of government.
7.3 OBJECTIVES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are the Intergovernmental Cooperation objectives and policy
recommendations (not in order of priority) that support the above goal and will guide
intergovernmental cooperation decisions in Ferryville over the next 10 years.
1. Work with local governments, state and federal agencies, the regional planning
commission, and local school districts to identify and coordinate land use and
community development policies and initiatives by exchanging information about
items of mutual concern.
2. Explore new opportunities to cooperate with other local units of government to
utilize shared public services, staff, or equipment where appropriate.
3. When appropriate, intergovernmental agreements with other local units of
government should be created through written contracts or agreements.
7.4 EXISTING AND POTENTIAL AREAS OF COOPERATION
7.4.1 EXISTING AREAS OF COOPERATION
Figure Numbers 1 and 2 show the locations of roadways in the Town of Freeman and
the Village of Ferryville and the roadways they share. The Wisconsin Department of
Transportation maintains the traveled way of Highway 35 through Ferryville.
Ferryville receives occasional services, at a cost, from the Crawford County Highway
Department.
Ferryville's First Responders and Fire Department serve areas in the Town of
Freeman and receive EMT transport services from a private EMT service located in
Gays Mills.
Ferryville is a member of the Joint Sharing Committee with Stoddard, Chaseburg,
DeSoto, Coon Valley, Genoa, and Ferryville. All share the cost and maintenance of a
Jetter and vacuum.
The Village does not have any agreements or contracts with any of the school
districts that serve Ferryville.
7.4.2 POTENTIAL AREAS OF COOPERATION
These include cooperative training between EMT groups and Fire departments, as
well as the Crawford County Department of Emergency Management.
Eventually there may be parts of the Town of Freeman that could be annexed to
Ferryville. Therefore, some of the recommendations in this Comprehensive Plan have
been developed to cover some of the requirements or features that should be
included in those annexed areas.
7.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS
7.5.1 CONFLICTS AND SOLUTIONS
The Village of Ferryville indicated there were neither existing nor anticipated conflicts
with its neighboring jurisdictions.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS - WI DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
The Wisconsin Land Council was created to gather and analyze land use and planning
related information, coordinate high priority state initiatives, including the
development of a Wisconsin land information system, and provide recommendations
to the Governor for improvements to the existing statewide planning framework.
The Council is dedicated to identifying ways to enhance and facilitate planning efforts
of Wisconsin's local governments and to improve the coordination and cooperation of
state agencies in their land use activities.
LEAGUE OF WISCONSIN MUNICIPALITIES
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities is a not-for-profit association of municipalities.
First established in 1898, the League acts as an information clearinghouse, lobbying
organization, and legal resource for Wisconsin municipalities. Its membership consists
of 605 cities and villages.
WISCONSIN COUNTIES ASSOCIATION
WCA is an association of county governments assembled for the purpose of serving
and representing counties.
SOUTHWESTERN WISCONSIN REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
The SWWRPC is the area-wide planning and development agency serving the five
counties of Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, and Crawford.
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8 - LAND USE
8.1 CHAPTER INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this chapter is to analyze how the land in the Village of Ferryville is
currently being used and what constraints to development exist in these areas. This
chapter will also discuss the future land use needs in the Village of Ferryville. Based
on the information in this chapter, and preceding chapters, a set of goals and policies
was developed to help guide the land use decisions in the Village of Ferryville over
the next 10 years.
8.2 GOALS
The following are Land Use Goals:
1. Promotion of the redevelopment of lands with existing infrastructure and public
services and the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing residential, commercial,
and industrial structures.
2. Protection of natural areas, including wetlands, wildlife habitats, lakes, rivers,
woodlands, open spaces, and groundwater resources.
3. Protection of economically productive areas, including farmland and forests.
4. Encouragement of land uses and regulations that promote efficient development
patterns and relatively low village utility costs.
5. Preservation of cultural, historical, and archaeological sites.
6. Encouragement of coordination and cooperation among nearby units of
government.
7. Building of community identity by revitalizing main streets and enforcing design
standards.
8. Providing adequate infrastructure and public services identifying developable land
to meet existing and future market demand for residential, commercial, and light
industrial uses.
9. Promoting the expansion or stabilization of the current economic base.
10. Planning and development of land uses that creates or preserves our rural
community.
11. Encourage the use of public lands to enhance recreation and tourism when
determined to be in the best interest of the Village of Ferryville.
8.3 OBJECTIVES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are the Land Use objectives and policy recommendations (not in order
of priority) that support the above goals and will guide land use decisions in the
Village of Ferryville over the next 10 years:
1. Maintain the small-town character of Ferryville by avoiding developments that
would alter its character.
2. Recognize the critical role that open space, scenic vistas, and riverscapes, natural
resources and designated features, scenic roads, archeological, and goat prairies
play in defining and enhancing the community's distinctive rural character.
3. Building placement and lot layout should be designed to provide a functional
relationship to the site's topography, existing vegetation, and other natural features.
The conservation of mature plant species, hedgerows, prairies/oak savannas, and
woodlots should be encouraged to preserve the rural character of the community.
4. Discourage new development from areas shown to be unsafe or unsuitable for
development due to natural hazards or contamination unless these sites can be
remediated to an acceptable condition.
5. For new development in the community, surface water run-off shall be minimized
and detained on site if possible or practicable. If it is not possible to detain water on
site, down-stream improvements to the channel may be required of the developer to
prevent flooding caused by construction. The natural state of water courses, swales,
floodways, wetlands, or right-of-way should be maintained as nearly as possible. An
erosion control ordinance has been adopted by the Village.
6. Identify developable land for a range of different uses, in areas, types, and
densities consistent with the community's wishes and service requirements. A
subdivision Ordinance should be applied to any new developments to maintain
orderly development that meets these goals and policies.
7. Require detailed neighborhood development plans and phasing plans prior to
platting and development of planned residential areas.
8. Support the mixing of compatible, complimentary uses in close proximity to one
another, such as small-scale neighborhood retail and service uses close to residential
neighborhoods, if in accordance with community wishes.
9. Periodically review the need for a sign ordinance to help preserve the visual quality
of the community.
10. Maintain taxable land where possible.
11. Encourage the use of public land to enhance recreation and tourism when
determined to be in the best interest of the Village of Ferryville.
8.4 EXISTING LAND USES
The tables listed below show a breakdown of existing taxable and tax-exempt land
uses in the Village of Ferryville. See Figure Number 4 for general land use categories.
Figure Number 4 and 6A have been updated and will be available for inspection in the
final draft copy of the Comprehensive Plan.
Real Estate. Land Parcels Acres
Residential - Class 1 230 571
Commercial - Class 2. 21 14
Manufacturing - Class 3 0 0
Agricultural - Class 4 7 23
Undeveloped - Class 5 9 23
Agricultural Forest - Class 5m 0 0
Productive Forest Lands - Class 6 18 193
Other - Class 7 0 0
Total 285 824
Source: Crawford County Wi - Statement of Assessment- 2021
Code Parcels Acres
Exempt
X1 - Federal 4 245.660
X2 - State 7 14.579
X3 - County 3 3.860
X4 - Local * 31 197.096
Except 45 461.195
Source: Crawford County WI - Real Estate Assessment Rolls - 2021
* Local - includes land owned by the Village of Ferryville and tax-exempt conservancy
land.
Residential - Residential land includes any land with a residential home.
Commercial - Commercial land refers to any parcel that has a business on it, but does
not include industrial properties. This may be a convenience store, car wash, bank,
grocery store, tavern, etc., referring to any type of retail or business establishment.
Manufacturing/Industrial - Manufacturing land refers to business and industry that is
engaged in processing, manufacturing, packaging, treatment, or fabrication of
materials and products.
Agricultural- Agricultural land includes land that produces a crop (including Christmas
trees or ginseng), agricultural forest (forested lands contiguous with agricultural
land), supports livestock, or is eligible for enrollment in specific federal agricultural
programs.
Undeveloped Land - This land classification refers to area that were formerly
classified as swamp/waste. It includes bogs, marshes, lowlands brush land, and
uncultivated land zoned as shoreland and shone to be a wetland.
Agricultural/Forest Land - Land that is producing or capable of producing commercial
forest products if the land satisfies any of the following conditions:
o It is contiguous to a parcel that has been classified in whole as agricultural land, if
the contiguous parcel is owned by the same person that owns the land that is
producing or capable of producing commercial forest products. In this subdivision,
"contiguous" includes separated only by a road.
Forested - Forested land including production forests and Managed Forest Land
(MFL). Productive forest land means "land that is producing or is capable of
producing commercial forest products" and is not otherwise classified under this
subsection.
Other - Remaining land types that do not fall into the above categories, including
federal, state and county land.
Map Figure Numbers 4, 6 and 6A illustrate the existing land use patterns for the
Village of Ferryville. The biggest contributors to the general layout of the Village
historically have been the topography of the area as it occurred during the Mississippi
River's erosion and deposition history. The following describes some of the key
features of the existing land use patterns:
1. The steep slopes facing the Mississippi River contain the area described as
Downtown. This area, with the steep slopes, has significant topography restrictions
limiting development.
2. The Sugar Creek runs through the Village south end emptying into the Mississippi
River. The valley on either side of this creek is a series of terraces next to the bluffs
and lowland, wetland flood plain near the creek itself.
3. Most commercial and residential development is located northwest of Sugar Creek
Valley area in the Downtown area along Highway 35. The Sugar Creek terraces at
the proximity to the Mississippi valley are partly developed for residential and
municipal uses.
4. The tops of the bluffs above the Downtown area contain the Eagle Mountain
Subdivision.
8.5 LAND USE TRENDS
The available land for possible change of use is quite limited. The
Residential/Commercial area indicated above as located east from Highway C (95
acres) has perhaps 10 acres maximum for some development, whereas at present
that land is relatively unused. See Figure Number 6A.
8.5.1 LAND DEMAND
The rough topography and forested areas that have not been developed yet do not
appear suitable for industrial or commercial development. Only if these
Ag/Conservancy private properties are significantly developed with roads and open
areas, they may be considered as potential future residential developments generally
in the vacation or secluded home site categories.
8.6 FUTURE LAND USE
To adequately plan for the future growth, a community must be aware of what its
future needs will be in terms of additional land. The projection of land use needed is
based upon several factors, including historical community growth trends, population
forecasts, anticipated economic and land use trends, and several assumptions.
Forecasting is an inexact process. Since several outside factors affect the rate of
growth of a community, assumptions and the resulting forecasts can only be used as
a tool for charting future courses of action. Given the above, it would appear that
only limited residential development will be possible within the Village limits. On the
contrary, nearby extraterritorial areas are much more likely to be developed, mainly
due to the significantly lower development costs that would be possible because of
the more level topography.
In extraterritorial areas, there appears to be very limited restrictions to residential
housing construction, since septic tanks are commonly usable there now. Roadways
would be possible due to better topography than within the Village proper.
Where there are activities within Ferryville or the extraterritorial areas, and to
comply with the goals and recommendations of this Plan, the provisions in the
Wisconsin statutes, administrative rules, and guidelines shall be followed as
applicable, except where Village ordinances apply.
8.6.1 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
See the comments in the previous section.
8.6.2 OPPORTUNITIES FOR REDEVELOPMENT
Refer to Chapter 6, Economic Development, Section 6.7, for a list of Environmentally
Contaminated Sites in Ferryville. The WI-Bureau for Remediation and
Redevelopment maintains the database that lists contaminated lands and sites
including the following: spills, leaks, Superfund sites, and other contaminated sites
that have been reported to the WI-DNR or otherwise discovered. The Plan
Commission is aware that there are several older structures in the downtown area
that might be either demolished or significantly modernized for both residential and
commercial purposes, such as stores or restaurants. The Plan Commission also feels
that Ferryville could better develop the Village's Sugar Creek Park and boat launch.
8.7 EXISTING & POTENTIAL LAND USE CONFLICTS
A variety of land uses can potentially cause land use conflicts. One of the most
common occurrences, especially in a rural setting, is the presence of non-farm
populations near agricultural operations. The presence of small rural lots can create
an adverse influence on the continued operation of an agriculture enterprise. Due to
only limited current and future agricultural uses within the Village, these potential
conflicts do not appear likely.
8.8 LAND USE AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS
There are several available state agencies and programs to assist communities with
land use projects.
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9 - IMPLEMENTATION
9.1 CHAPTER INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this chapter is to explain how the comprehensive plan will be utilized
to guide future growth and development in the Village of Ferryville and is intended to
serve as the blueprint for the future. As change is inevitable, the plan will need to be
amended to reflect major changes. Section 9.9 will review how each chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan elements interrelate and how the plan will be monitored and
evaluated. Section 9.8 discusses how the plan must be updated at a minimum of once
every ten years.
9.2 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are implementation goals, objectives, and policy recommendations.
They support the goals, objectives, policies, and programs specified in the previous
eight chapters and will guide the implementation of this comprehensive plan in the
Village of Ferryville over the next 10 years.
1. Comply with and enforce the Planning Goals and the Policies and Programs
outlined in this Comprehensive Plan.
2. Enforce local ordinances to support the vision noted in Section 9.10.
3. Comply with applicable County, State, and Federal regulations.
4. Amend the local comprehensive plan and local ordinances only after careful
evaluation of existing conditions and potential impacts.
5. Update the Comprehensive Plan every 10 years as required by Wisconsin State
Statute 66.1001.
9.3 LOCAL ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS
The intent of the local ordinances and regulations is to control land development
within the Village and to influence the developments in the extraterritorial areas,
assuming that someday they may be part of the Village proper. By carefully applying
these local ordinances and regulations, the Village of Ferryville will be accomplishing
goals and policies of the comprehensive plan. Enforcement of such ordinances and
regulations serve an important function by ensuring orderly growth and
development. The Village of Ferryville will continue to use their Ordinances as a
primary tool of enforcement.
9.4 CONSISTENCY AMONG PLAN ELEMENTS
As required by Wisconsin State Statute 66.1001, all elements included in this plan are
consistent with one another and no known conflicts exist. (If there is a question
regarding a decision that is not clearly conveyed in the details of this plan, then the
decision should be based on the intent of the vision statement.) All nine elements
included in this plan work to achieve the desired future for the Village of Ferryville.
9.5 SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Plan shall be found to be invalid or unconstitutional, or if the
application of this Plan to any person or circumstances is found to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the other
provisions or applications of this Plan, which can be given effect without the invalid or
unconstitutional provision or application.
9.6 PLAN ADOPTION
The first official action required to implement the original Village of Ferryville
Comprehensive Plan was the official adoption of the plan by the Plan Commission.
Once the Plan Commission recommended the plan by resolution, the Village Board
then needed to adopt the Comprehensive Plan by ordinance as required by State
Statute 66.1001. The Ferryville Comprehensive Plan took effect when the Village
Board passed it. After the plan was adopted by ordinance, it then became the official
tool for future development over the next 20 years. The current comprehensive plan
update will follow the same guidelines and will be the official tool for future
development for the last 10 years of this 20-year plan. The plan is designed to guide
development in a consistent manner.
9.7 PLAN AMENDMENTS
Amendments may be necessary due to changes in Village policies, programs, or
services, as well as changes in state or federal laws. An amendment may also be
needed due to unique proposals presented to the Village. Amendments are any
changes to plan, text or maps. The Village Board can amend the Ferryville
Comprehensive Plan at any time. Proposed amendments should be channeled
through the Plan Commission, with final action occurring at the Village Board,
including proper public notices and hearings. Amendments should be done with
extreme caution. They should not be made simply to avoid local planning pressure.
9.8 PLAN UPDATES
As required by Wisconsin State Statute, this comprehensive plan needs to be updated
at least once every ten years. An update is different from an amendment, as an
update is a major revision of multiple plan sections including maps. The plan was
originally written based on variables that are ever changing and future direction
might be inaccurately predicted. A plan update should include public involvement, as
well as an official public hearing.
9.9 MEASURING PROGRESS
The success of this comprehensive plan will be measured by the extent to which the
Village of Ferryville achieves its vision of the future for their community by following
the goals, objectives, policies, and programs outlined in the plan. To do so, the Plan
Commission will review this Comprehensive Plan every two (2) years.
9.10 VISION STATEMENT
The vision statement can be found in Chapter 1, Issues and Opportunities, section
1.10. The vision statement serves as the overall guide for land use decision making in
the Village of Ferryville.
9.11 GOAL AND POLICY SUMMARY
Comprehensive Plans are comprised of nine elements (Issues and Opportunities,
Housing, Transportation, Utilities and Community Facilities, Agricultural, Natural, and
Cultural Resources, Economic Development, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Land
Use, and Implementation). Each element has policy statements, which contribute to
the overall plan, supporting a jurisdiction's vision and goals. Policy statements give
the jurisdiction general guidelines to help in making land use decisions.
Chapter goals are summarized in each chapter. Plan policies and objectives are
summarized in Table 9.1 with policies listed by element and showing implementation
actions and the party responsible for such actions. The key below describes Table
notation.
RESPONSIBILITY
Village Plan Commission - The Plan Commission receives proposals/applications,
reviews the proposal against the plan and any local ordinances, and then makes a
recommendation to the Village Board.
Village Board - As the elected body of the community, the Village Board acts as the
decision-making authority and has the responsibility to make sure that the specific
policy is enforced. The Board reviews the Plan Commission's recommendation and
makes a final decision.
Table 9.1
Issues and Opportunities
Policies and Objectives Implementation Action Responsibility
Protect and improve the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Preserving
and enhancing the quality of life. Periodic joint meetings to discuss this and other
related topics. Village Board
Plan Commission
Vision & Promotion
Tourism Council
Public Works
Fire & EMS
Protect and preserve the community character. Periodic joint meetings to discuss this
and other related topics. Village Board
Plan Commission
Vision & Promotion
Tourism Council
Provide suitable facilities for the continued operation of Village Government.
Periodically assess the condition of village owned properties.
Village Board
Be aware that all decisions have a possible effect on taxes. Requires no specific
action
Village Board
Housing
Policies and Objectives Implementation Action Responsibility
Protect existing residential neighborhoods from intrusion by incompatible or
undesirable land use activities. Consider this before approving a building permit and
encourage community reporting.
Village Board
Plan Committee
Remain open to proposed multifamily apartment buildings, senior housing, and
special - needs housing. Address as needed, holding open listening sessions. Village
Board
Plan Commission
Encourage future residential development in areas that can be served efficiently and
economically by public utilities and community facilities and services. Address as
needed. Village Board
Plan Commission
Encourage the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and the Crawford County Zoning
Dept., DNR, and Health Dept. to enforce proper sewage disposal from mobile homes
in the floodplain. Encourage community reporting of violations and report to proper
agencies. Village Board
Periodically review implementing a zoning ordinance to accomplish the goals and
other items included in this Comprehensive Plan Example: Lot sizes in new
developments. Review every five years. Village Board
Plan Commission
Strengthen building code enforcement dealing with the use of garages for living units
on a temporary basis. Note: enforced by WI Uniform
Dwelling Code. Encourage community reporting.
Notify the building inspector of violations.
Village Board
Development a Fair Housing Ordinance. Contact HUD for guidance on Ordinance
development. Village Board
Plan Commission
TRANSPORTATION
Policies and Objectives Implementation Action Responsibility
Continue to include road maintenance and improvements in an annual capital
improvement plan, and budget. Include Road Maintenance in the yearly CPI. Village
Board
Continue to use the PASER (Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating) program for
prioritizing street improvements. Implement annually. Village Board
Public works
Village Clerk
Continue to support SMRT (Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit), providing
transportation for the community, including the elderly and disabled. Continue SMRT
funding in the yearly budget. Village Board
Coordinate transportation improvements with nearby towns and Crawford County
Department of Transportation. Requires no specific action. Village Board
Periodically review the ordinance for acceptance of development roads into the
Village Road system. (See Ordinance 5.09, Standards for Construction of roads.
Review every five years. Village Board
Plan Commission
Explore improving the railroad crossing by adding a center barrier at Market Street
so the BNSF would not have to blow the horn at the crossing, reducing noise pollution
throughout the entire village limits. Explore funding sources. Village Board
Plan Commission
Form an exploratory committee to research approval, funding sources and write
grants.
UTILITIES and COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Policies and Objectives Implementation Action Responsibility
Provide sanitary and storm sewer facilities to existing and future developments that
can be easily and economically connected to the current sanitary and/or storm
sewer system. Rehabilitate as needed. Village Board
Maintain the current capital improvement plan as a guide to continuing and
expanding the existing utility services. Review annually. Village Board
Provide adequate EMT, EMS and fire protection services. Maintain facilities,
equipment and contracts. Village Board
Fire Department
EMS
Encourage the Crawford County Sheriff's Department to increase policing, especially
speed limit enforcement within the Village. Encourage community reporting of
violations. Village Board
Provide adequate governmental services to the citizens of the community.
Periodically evaluate provided services. Village Board
Plan Commission
AGRICULTURAL, NATURAL and CULTURAL RESOURCES
Policies and Objectives Implementation Action Responsibilities
Ensure that environmental and aesthetic qualities of the community are considered
when planning future developments. Periodic joint meetings to discuss this and other
related topics. Village Board
Plan Commission
Vision & Promotion
Tourism Council
Protect environmentally sensitive areas such as floodplains, wetlands, and wooded
areas from urban development. Enforce village ordinances. Village Board
Plan Commission
Enforce the existing Ferryville Erosion Control/Land Disturbance Ordinance. Enforce
Village Ordinances and encourage community reporting. Village Board
Plan Commission
Enforce the Ferryville Combined Floodplain and Shoreline Wetland - Zoning
Ordinance. Enforce ordinance, report to DNR Village Board
Plan Commission
Periodically review implementing a site plan review process to help maintain and
improve visual quality and physical design for the village. Review every two years.
Village Board
Plan Commission
Continue to enforce existing ordinances for improving the visual appearance of
properties to enhance the quality of life and related factors that are important to the
residents. Enforce ordinances as necessary. Village Board
Plan Commission
Continue to investigate an ordinance eliminating DNR Managed Forest Land within
the Village by preventing any new MFL Projects and/or renewing the permits of
existing MFL projects until payments in lieu of taxes fully exceed the loss tax
revenue. Contact Attorney for opinion. Village Board
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
Policies and Objectives Implementation Action Responsibility
Continue cooperative operations with the area fire departments, EMS, and Crawford
County Sheriff's Department Requires no specific action. Ferryville:
Village Board
Fire Department
EMS
Share the Village's Comprehensive Plan with the town of Freeman and Crawford
County. Email copies of the plan. Plan Commission
Continue to share the cost of the jetter and vacuum with the other members of the
Joint Sharing Committee (Stoddard, Chaseburg, De Soto, Coon Valley, Genoa, and
Ferryville.) Continue current contracts. Village Board
Public Works
LAND USE
Policies and Objectives Implementation Action Responsibility
Periodically review implementing a zoning ordinance using the recommendations of
the comprehensive plan. Review every five years. Village Board
Plan Commission
Enforce or modify the current Erosion Control/Land Disturbance Ordinance to fully
follow the recommendations of this Comprehensive Plan. Improve the current
erosion control flow chart and accessibility. Village Board
Plan Commission
Work with all sources to protect all natural areas. Encourage collaborative
opportunities with appropriate organizations. Village Board
Plan Commission
Work to preserve cultural, historical, and archaeological sites. Encourage
collaborative opportunities with appropriate organizations. Village Board
Plan Commission
Balance individual property rights with community interests and goals. Encourage
community input, as issues arise. Village Board
Plan Commission
Community
Encourage the use of public lands to enhance recreational and tourism uses when
determined to be in the best interest of the Village of Ferryville. Encourage
community input. Village Board
Plan Commission
Community Boards
IMPLEMENTATION
Policies and Objectives Implementation Action Responsibility
Enforce local ordinances to support the Comprehensive Plan. Take enforcement
action as needed. Village Board
Plan Commission
Comply with applicable County, State, and Federal Regulations. Requires no specific
action. Village Board
Plan Commission
Amend the local Comprehensive Plan and Local Ordinances only after careful
evaluation of existing conditions and potential impacts. Requires no specific action
Take action as needed. Village Board
Plan Commission
Monitor the Village Board's actions on Plan Commission recommendations. Yearly
meeting to determine what actions the Village Board has taken or recommend action.
Plan Commission
Update the Village of Ferryville's Comprehensive Plan at a minimum of every 10 years
as required by Wisconsin State Statute 66.1001. Update every ten years. (2032)
Plan Commission
Village Board
?
Table 9.2 Implementation
IMPLEMENTATION ACTION KEY
1. Does not require specific action - This policy is a general statement of direction
that does not need a specific ordinance or program to be enforced. It is enforced
through conscious decision making and by following the local comprehensive plan,
which is passed by ordinance. In general, the action, if any, involves continuing with
an ongoing program or policy.
2. Requires specific action, generally by both the Plan Commission and the Village
Board or specifically by the Village Board. A policy is enforced by an existing
ordinance or an ordinance currently in development or not yet being developed. This
key also applies to adopting specific programs, such as 5-year plans, budgets, etc.