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ATTACHMENT A CITY OF MADISON PERIPHERAL AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN ( EXCERPT ) PLANNING AREA N6 PLANNING AREA N6 DEVELOPMENT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: PERMANENT OPEN SPACE RECOMMENDED URBAN JURISDICTION: NOT URBAN PRESENT JURISDICTION: C. MADISON, T. WESTPORT, T. BURKE ACRES LAND USE INSIDE USA OUTSIDE USA TOTAL DEVELOPED OR SUBDIVIDED LAND 14 5 9 EXISTING OR REC. OPEN SPACE LAND 404* 3,417 3,821 RURAL USE OR VACANT LAND --- --- --- TOTAL ACRES 408 3,422 3,830 *Includes 26 acres within Limited Service Area. Basis for Development Plan Recommendation Planning Area N6 is recommended as a Permanent Open Space district, and is the recommended top priority area for permanent open space preservation for many reasons: Cherokee Marsh and the Yahara River-Token Creek wetlands form the largest remaining wetland complex in Dane County. The marsh wetlands and their environs provide natural vegetation and wildlife habitat of statewide scientific significance. Rare plants and animals can be found here. Part of Cherokee Marsh is designated as a Wisconsin State Scientific Area. In addition to being an irreplaceable natural feature in its own right, the marsh complex is an essential factor in maintaining the water quality in the Madison Lakes--considered by most citizens to be one of the most important contributors to Madison's special character and quality of life. Within the marsh area, there is already substantial public ownership, and public recreational opportunities abound, including nature study, hiking, cross country skiing, canoeing and fishing. The diverse complex of river, wetlands and the surrounding uplands provides a large natural area of high scenic value right at the edge of a major urban area. To really preserve this aesthetic quality, the marsh area must be protected from the visual impact of excessive development on the surrounding high ground, and public viewpoints and access points to the marsh must be provided. 141