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Mr. & Mrs . Johan F. Glaaser August 12, 1991 page 2 . route that has been mapped for the Ice Age Trail through Dane County 14 areas of special resource significance have been identified. They are shown on the enclosed Dane County Trail map. Two of these areas stretch north and south from Mineral Point Road along Timber Lane in the Town of Cross Plains . They consist of a series of basins in the bedrock that harbored lakes fed by melt- water when the glacier stood along the terminal moraine . All the water eventually flowed to the north into the Black Earth Creek stream channel , cutting an 80 foot deep gorge beneath the glacier. Today, the two highest basins contain wetland remnants that provide nesting and feeding sites for waterfowl . The U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service has purchased most of the basin north of Mineral Point Road and planted the upland cropland in permanent grass cover to provide nesting sites for prairie birds . The long term goal of the Fish & Wildlife Service is to preserve the basin south of Mineral Point Road, as well . The wetland in this basin is of higher quality than the wetland north of Mineral Point Road. The southern rim of this basin is part of your family' s property. These basins in proximity to the terminal moraine offer one of the most dramatic examples in Dane County of the effect of continental glaciation in transforming the landscape. The National Park Service suggested, in early plans for the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, that Timber Lane become an interpretive drive with turnouts and interpretive signs such as those used in National Parks. From both the geological and biological perspectives the portion of the Ice Age Trail along Timber Lane is one of the most important in Dane County. Thus, this is a priority area in our efforts to preserve the best portions of the Ice Age Trail . I have tried to identify these features and goals on the enclosed maps and aerial photos . I want you to understand the significance of the property your family owns and also understand the long-term perspective of land use for this area. I have explained to the Dane County Board' s Zoning & Natural Resources Committee what I have written to you. Representing the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation I have not objected to your request to re-zone land for a site to build a home for your retirement. In fact, it seems that you have been very sensitive in choosing a location that does not intrude upon the landscape . I did question the proposed location of your access drive along the north line of your family ' s property because of its intrusion into the basin and the projected wildlife preserve described above . I have suggested an alternative location for the access drive south of the ridge crest that defines the southern rim of the basin. This is shown on the enlarged topographic map and aerial photograph. The Foundation is interested in purchasing the land