Resolution to adopt the Sauk County Great Sauk State Trail Master Plan as an Appendix to the 2020-2024 Sauk County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

In January 2023 Sauk County contracted with Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKGi) to assist   Land Resources and Environment Department with the creation of the Great Sauk State Trail master plan.  Building off the success of the 11.4 mile completed segment of the Great Sauk State Trail, the master plan and planning process was initiated to identify a route and recommendations to extend the multi-use trail north and west to connect to trail users to Devil’s Lake State Park, the Baraboo Area, the Villages of North Freedom, and Rock Springs, and terminating at the start of the 400 State Trail in Reedsburg.  Once constructed, the trail will provide a world-class trail experience, showcasing the natural landscape and connecting communities in Sauk County.  The planning process involved a significant amount of community, stakeholder, agency, and municipal engagement to understand the issues and opportunities that the trail will present.  In addition to identifying preferred and alternate trail routes, the plan identifies amenities that best support tourism, community development, and active living for those who live within and around the region. The Land Resources and Environment Department served as the project sponsor and project manager for the planning effort.

Resolution No. 150-2019 adopting the 2020-2024 Sauk County Outdoor Recreation Plan was approved by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors on January 21, 2020. The Great Sauk State Trail Master Plan is intended to be included as part of the Sauk County Outdoor Recreation Plan which will make the design and construction of the trail eligible to the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Grant and which will increase the probability that Sauk County will be successful with obtaining funding from other sources.