Resolution to Support the Naming of an Unnamed Tributary to Narrows Creek

BACKGROUND:

The Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department created the 2022-2042 Sauk County Farm Property Master Plan to ensure the continued management of the site’s agricultural and natural resources, preservation of its historic features, and the transformation of the space into an educational resource for the communities of Sauk County. On the County Farm property lies an unnamed tributary to Narrows Creek. This tributary (T12, R4e, S34) is 4.7 miles in length. A perennial stream, that is a tributary to the unnamed stream, flows on the land formally owned by Aahucoga (Blue Wing), a Ho-Chunk chief. Aahucoga purchased a 40 acre parcel in the southwestern part of what is now the Town of Reedsburg in 1851 in an attempt to keep his band together.

In order to meet Goal III Sauk County Farm Master Plan- which states: “Pay homage to the historic nature of the property by: preserving the historic fire house and cemetery; and, chronicling the people and events that have converged here.”- this unnamed tributary has been identified as a candidate for naming through the Department of Natural Resources’ Wisconsin Geographic Naming Council.

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 35-2022 adopting the 2022-2042 Sauk County Farm Property Master Plan was approved by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors on March 15, 2022; and,

WHEREAS, staff is in contact with the Ho-Chunk Nation to gain their support of the proposal; and,

WHEREAS, to expedite the proposal and decision-making process by the Wisconsin Geographic Names Council, supplemental documents- including a summary of historical events, documentation of local support, photographs, and other additional compelling information- have been compiled to submit with the application (Exhibit A); and,

WHEREAS a map of the unnamed tributary has been provided (Exhibit B); and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sauk County Board of Supervisors, met in regular session, does hereby support a petition for the renaming of the unnamed Narrows Creek tributary to Aahucoga Creek as shown in Exhibit B; and,

Approved for presentation to the County Board by the Land Resources and Environment Committee, this 19 day of September 2023.