Town of Verona Open Space & Parks Frequently Asked Questions

OSPC Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the OSPC's long-term goals and objectives?
As stated in the OSPC plan, the long-term goals and objectives include:

To protect the Town's cultural and natural resources, realizing that these are finite and irreplaceable.
To connect existing natural resources and environmental corridors to improve access and expand opportunities for enjoyment by all segments of the Town's population.
To coordinate efforts with Dane County, the City of Verona, and private or non-profit organizations to leverage ongoing activities and maximize potential benefits.

Q. Is the OSPC a political commission (does it make policies)? Who does it report to?
The OSPC is a political commission in that it has a plan, and it has objectives and policies to carry out those plans. However, these can only be acted upon with the approval of the Town Board. The OSPC reports to the Town Board. The Town's Plan Commission is encouraged to request assistance from the OSPC when dealing with issues or areas referenced in the OSPC plan.

Q. What is meant by open space?
Open space is a defined area, typically either a natural environment meant for limited or low-impact human use (such as an unpaved path), or a space designed for public gathering but with minimal development, such as a square or plaza.

A park, on the other hand, is a defined area designed for recreation, usually located in or near a neighborhood. Its landscape typically comprises paved trails or walkways, some open areas, trees, shelters, and perhaps some play equipment, all naturalistically disposed and requiring limited maintenance.

The Town's current priority is on open space, rather than parks. However, Verona residents have access to many County and City parks nearby. See Recreation Opportunities on this web site.

Q. Does the OSPC work with other groups?
Yes, the OSPC has many partnerships. For example, we work closely with Dane County Parks to coordinate efforts in areas with mutual goals for protection. We also work with the City of Verona's Parks Department to coordinate activities that would benefit both City and Town residents, such as connecting trails and bike paths between the Town and City.

The OSPC also has a formal partnership with the Natural Heritage Land Trust, Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, and Capitol Water Trails for conservation planning in the Upper Sugar River valley. See Conservation Efforts for more information.

Q. What can the OSPC do about development within the Town?
The OSPC can only make recommendations to the Town Board and Plan Commission, based on the objectives and policies in its plan. It has no jurisdiction for promoting or hindering development beyond the policies and criteria already in place at the Town or County level.

Q. Can the OSPC tell landowners what to do with their land? Even in an area mapped as desirable for open space?
No, the OSPC has no control or jurisdiction over what a landowner can or cannot do with their land. An area mapped as desirable for open space often indicates that there are additional resources, such as grant money, available for conservation efforts. The OSPC can facilitate access to those resources if a landowner is interested in conserving all or some of their land.

Q. Can the OSPC help landowners find alternatives to development for their land?
Yes, in partnership with the Natural Heritage Land Trust, the OSPC can assist a landowner with identifying potential alternatives to development, such as a conservation easement. See Conservation Efforts for more information.

Q. What is a conservation easement?
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently restricts the use of the land in order to protect its conservation value. A conservation easement allows you to continue to own and use your land, and to sell it or pass it on to heirs. Legislation enacted in August 2006 increased the tax benefits available for donations of conservation easements. For more detailed information on conservation easements and how they work, please refer to our Conservation Handout, or go to: www.lta.org/conserve/faq.shtml#ce_head

Q. Are there unique lands in the Town that the OSPC feels should be kept open?
Yes, please see the OSPC Plan and Map for more information.

Q. How were the OSPC's plan and map developed? Where can they be found?
The OSPC's plan and map were originally developed with input from many organizations, including Dane County, the City of Verona, various resources at the University of Wisconsin, and the Town's 2000 Land Use Survey results. The OSPC plan summarizes what the commission members interpret as the vision for our Town. The OSPC Map and Plan can be viewed or downloaded from this website. Printed copies are also available at the Town Hall upon request.