RURAL PLANNING VISION
A Vision for the Future
of Rural Portage County (Adopted June 26,
2002)
"Vision is the art of seeing the
invisible." Jonathan Swift"
Visioning" is a process through which a community talks
about the type of future it wants. A "vision statement" is
the end product of such a process. It depicts, in words and images,
what the community seeks to become-how it will look, how it will
function, how it might be different or better twenty years from
now.
Through a series of visioning workshops held in March and April
of 2002, citizens had the opportunity to express their vision
for the future of Portage County. These workshops built on information
gathered from the public through a countywide mail-in survey
and a number of community hopes and concerns workshops. As a
result of this input, the Portage County Comprehensive Planning
Joint Steering Committee, a group representing each of the county's
27 local units of the government, identified nine priority issue
areas.
The recent round of visioning workshops asked citizens to express
their thoughts for the future of the rural and urban areas of
the County, as they relate to the nine issue areas.
This document describes a year 2020 vision for the "rural
area" of Portage County, which includes the towns and villages
outside the Stevens Point/Plover urban area. It is intended to
distill the discussions that took place at the visioning workshops
and serve as a defining statement for how the rural area of Portage
County should evolve and progress. It is based on the ideas,
suggestions, and strategies put forward by those who live here
and have a stake in the future of the County.
The vision statement addresses new and emerging issues such
as the challenge of a growing population base, growing demands
on our natural resources, a changing agricultural economy, and
a variety of other forces acting to affect the "rural character" we
all enjoy. It strives to capture the values and concerns of our
rural community as we look to the future.Turn the page and explore
the vision for the rural area of Portage County in the year 2020.
Turn the page and explore the vision for the rural area of Portage
County in the year 2020.
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AGRICULTURE
In 2020, the agricultural industry in Portage County is healthy
and thriving. Development has been directed away from productive
agricultural land, giving farmers, both large and small, ample
space and freedom to be productive and efficient. A variety of
agricultural commodities are produced for direct sale in local
markets and for marketing worldwide. Farmers value the environment
with practices that are sustainable, using methods that protect
air, soil, and water resources. Agriculture remains an integral
part of the Portage County economy, providing employment opportunities
and livable wages for their employees.
Key Vision Ideas for Agriculture:
- Farms, both large and small, are an integral part of the
local economy due to their direct link to retailers and consumers,
and a diversified offering of products.
- Sustainable agriculture exists through sensible regulation
and a partnership between farmers, their neighbors and local
units of government.
- The agricultural industry in Portage County is strongly supported
and the farmland that it relies on is protected from development.
- Agricultural practices are environmentally sensitive, using
practices that protect air, soil, and water resources.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In 2020, Portage County enjoys a healthy, thriving economy.
It recognizes that economic vitality is the foundation for continued
community progress and livability. The community has developed
a reputation as a highly desirable place to work and do business
because of its well-educated work force and high quality of life.
The community is supportive of homegrown and small businesses.
It actively targets companies that offer good employment prospects,
draw from the local labor pool and are good corporate citizens.
Residents have many options to earn livable wages and enjoy rewarding
work.
Key Vision Ideas for Economic Development:
- Economic development centers around promoting and maintaining
locally based companies.
- Job creation efforts focus primarily on attraction of job
opportunities that provide living wages for families and youth
living in Portage County.
- Businesses may be supported through incentive programs or
other similar mechanisms.
- Design standards are established and enforced.
- New business development is focused toward existing villages
and planned settlement areas and the re-use of vacant lots
and buildings.
- Recognize and support the role of agribusiness in the economy
of our community.
- New manufacturing or industrial growth is directed toward
existing or planned business/industrial parks or areas.
- Tourism is an important element in the rural economy.
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HOUSING
In 2020, Portage County residents feel connected to their community
through their homes and neighborhoods. An adequate supply of
affordable housing countywide provides opportunities for all
residents, across income levels and age groups, to put down roots
and build a life here. Friendly, active neighborhoods add to
a local sense of belonging, and provide opportunities for neighbors
to have more contact with each other and their community.
Key Vision Ideas for Housing:
- A diverse housing stock exists across income levels and throughout
the rural area.
- Adequate and affordable housing is available for the elderly
and disabled throughout the county.
- Creative alternatives for sewer and water provision in the
rural area address septic system and drinking water quality
issues.
- Residential growth in rural areas is limited to low-density,
large lot single-family developments, where land is not suitable
for agriculture, to ensure that rural landscapes and character
are maintained.
- The construction of new multi-family housing units and mobile
home parks are focused toward planned areas.
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INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
In 2020, units of local government cooperate routinely on decisions
related to the provision of services countywide. This cooperation
and collaboration has resulted in a truly integrated community,
where service delivery is based on maximizing efficiency. The
people of Portage County recognize that they have the responsibility
to be active in community decision-making, and units of local
government rely on that participation as an integral part of
their decision processes.
Key Vision Ideas for Intergovernmental Cooperation:
- Units of government in Portage County cooperate with each
other to coordinate the provision of shared services in the
most cost effective and efficient ways.
- Communication between local units of government is routine
and productive.
- Citizen participation by people of all ages is encouraged
by local elected officials and utilized in community decision-making
processes.
- Local units of government work together to develop creative
ways to plan for and share the benefits of growth across municipal
boundaries.
- Local units of government have final control of policy development
within their jurisdiction.
- Some ordinances and regulations are developed, implemented
and enforced on a countywide basis.
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LAND USE
In 2020, people in Portage County have learned to manage growth
in ways that maintain their high quality of life. Growth is contained
and well-planned. Portage County's thriving, people-oriented
urban area includes livable neighborhoods, attractive business
development and protected open spaces. Ample parks and open spaces
within the urbanized area complement the natural beauty surrounding
the community. The County's rural area is also thriving, with
a robust agricultural industry that produces a variety of commodities
for direct sale in local markets and for marketing worldwide.
Agricultural practices are environmentally sensitive, and are
protective of soil, air, and water resources. Development is
limited in the rural area of the County in an effort to preserve
rural character and the high quality natural resources found
there.
Key Vision Ideas for Land Use:
- Land use policies are locally developed, focus on the long-term,
are compatible across municipal boundaries, protect landowner
rights, and promote planned development within rural Portage
County.
- Growth boundaries are established in settled areas to regulate
outward growth.
- Rural areas have planned residential developments that are
buffered from agricultural uses, preserve open space, and are
in areas less suitable for farming or forestry.
- Development takes into consideration the protection of: groundwater
recharge areas, air quality, agricultural land, forested lands,
wetlands, surface water, and fragile habitats/ecosystems.
- Uniform regulations and definitions, including design standards,
exist on a countywide basis to protect rural character.
- Communication tower development is planned and the use of
existing structures and co-location is promoted.
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NATURAL RESOURCES
In 2020, Portage County residents share a common bond in their
enjoyment of the environment. The natural beauty that embodies
the community is more than just a backdrop; it is the heart and
soul of its values. Nature is precious to the people who live
here, and they devote considerable efforts and attention to enjoying,
protecting and enhancing it. From keeping water clean and abundant
to protecting critical ecosystems, residents are dedicated to
maintaining their very special part of the world.
Key Vision Ideas for Natural Resources:
- Preservation and protection of natural resources contributes
to a high quality of life. Citizens understand their role in
this effort, which is reflected in their actions and financial
support.
- Development occurs in ways that protect the natural resources
we enjoy in rural Portage County. We direct growth away from
sensitive areas and account for the protection of our air,
land, and water resources.
- Regulations are in place to assure that our air quality is
assessed and maintained.
- Groundwater quality is continually monitored and assessed,
and a set of regulations restricts development in groundwater
recharge areas and areas contributing to surface water bodies.
- Public access to our natural resources is promoted.
- Groundwater throughout the county is safe to drink without
treatment.
- Water quantity in streams is maintained.
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PUBLIC FACILITIES
In 2020, Portage County residents enjoy a network of high quality,
efficient public facilities. Through cooperation and collaboration,
local units of government work together to provide services across
municipal boundaries. Sewer and water services are provided within
established and planned growth areas that effectively reduce
the impacts of sprawl development into the rural portions of
the county. An exceptional educational system provides opportunities
for lifelong learning. Portage County residents value their youth,
families, seniors, and disadvantaged, and promote facilities
and activities aimed at improving community vitality.
Key Vision Ideas for Public Facilities:
Through community caring and involvement, we promote:
- Compact, cost-efficient utilities that are available where
they are appropriate;
- High quality education, while strengthening rural community
schools;
- Full-county coverage for emergency services and first responders,
with reasonable response times;
- Places and activities for the youth of the community.
- Park
systems in our County are well maintained, inter-connected
and opportunities for new parks are explored where possible.
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QUALITY OF LIFE
In 2020, residents of Portage County have much to celebrate.
Their quality of life has never been better; the urban and rural
areas are thriving; the economy is healthy; and the sense of
community is solid and strong. Family life is supported in a
number of ways from accessible health care to lifelong educational
opportunities and recreation. People care about each other. They
work together to sustain and enhance community values, such as
strong families, safe communities, responsible citizenship, participatory
government, and cultural diversity. Volunteerism is supported
and encouraged by individuals, businesses, and community leaders.
The County's communities benefit from a strong sense of identity
and a profound pride in their past, present and future.
Key Vision Ideas for Quality of Life:
- A high quality of life is found in rural Portage County.
Maintaining the rural character of Portage County supports
our quality of life.
- Quality of life is specifically measured by benchmarks that
are regularly updated by citizens, including such factors as:
community safety, volunteerism, availability of health care,
accessible natural resources and open space, quality of schools,
affordable cost of living, and a supportive community.
- Cultural and historic resources are identified and protected.
- Rural character is preserved through planned development
in agricultural regions.
- Quality of life is enhanced through the coordinated provision
of municipal services.
- A high quality countywide system of parks and trails provide
for hiking, biking and other recreational opportunities.
- An excellent educational system provides comprehensive learning
opportunities for residents of all ages.
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TRANSPORTATION
In 2020, residents of Portage County enjoy a well planned and
maintained transportation system which offers a variety of ways
to get from place to place. An excellent public transit system
provides the general public, students, senior citizens, and the
transportation disadvantaged with travel options. An extensive
network of bicycle and walking trails provides access from urban
neighborhoods and the rural countryside to schools, parks and
businesses. These measures, along with well maintained roads,
have greatly reduced automobile trips. They also provide freedom
of movement, healthier lifestyles, and a realistic alternative
to the automobile.
Key Vision Ideas for Transportation:
- Public transportation is available in some form countywide,
and its use is encouraged as a way to reduce auto trips. Senior
citizens and the transportation disadvantaged are a special
emphasis for this service.
- Bicycle transportation planning has achieved a greater level
of emphasis within the County, facilitating bicycle commuting
as well as access to schools, parks and businesses.
- Sidewalks and pedestrian paths/trails are found across the
County where access to commercial, residential and recreational
areas is needed.
- Our road network is well maintained. Emphasis is placed
on use or expansion of existing road facilities before considering
construction of new roads. The public is highly involved in
the decision making process for locating new roads. Commercial
development along new highways in rural areas is planned where
appropriate.
- Abandoned railroad right-of-way is maintained for transportation
services, either as bike or hike trails or as future rail.
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Where do we go from here?
The vision statement provides guidance on where we'd like to
be as a community in 20 years. Our next steps are to figure out
how to reach our vision. As you might imagine, there are a number
of alternative ways to achieve this vision.
That's where you come in. Over the coming months, a number of
growth scenarios will be developed that illustrate different
ways to reach our collective vision - we need your input to help
decide which path the community should take. Stay connected with
the planning process - provide input - you have a stake in the
future of your community.
**While every effort has been expended to make this document
as useful as possible, it must be understood that all projections,
plans, and assertions may be altered in the future due to unforeseen
events. At no point should this document be construed as a limitation
on the autonomy which local governments enjoy at the time of
this writing.**
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Portage County Planning & Zoning
1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: 715-346-1334
OR
Visit us on the web at:
http://www.co.portage.wi.us
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/portage/compplan/
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