Re: Geneva Ridge, et. al.

FIRST, DO NO HARM TO THE LAND OR THE LAKE

In an effort to clarify our position; The Geneva Lake Conservancy offers the following for consideration:

Ideally, this large 718-acre tract of agricultural land would remain agricultural; retaining the rural character of much of the rich lands located around Geneva Lake. Situated along Route 120, Geneva Ridge is a major doorway into this area from the South.

However, given the very real and growing development pressures in the lake area, it is likely this land will eventually succumb to some measure of residential use. But this does not mean that the natural resources of this open land must be lost, nor does it mean that the water quality and recreational values of nearby Geneva Lake must be compromised.

To date, no specific plan has been put forward publicly by the City of Lake Geneva, the Town of Linn or the Developer for the conservation of the woods, wetlands, small animal and bird habitat, streams, open land and agricultural character of this large tract, although the developers have pledged their intent to do so. Neither have plans been put forward to address the density and character of areas to be built upon, or to protect Geneva Lake from the inevitable pollution resulting from development of the land, nor to control the impact from development on recreational use of the lake.

Therefore, the Conservancy stands ready to work proactively with all interested parties. This includes local and regional governments, the land owners and developers, and other community organizations. The Conservancy, if asked to do so would be pleased to help in developing specific plans, guidelines and restrictions to protect and conserve the natural resources of Geneva Ridge, and control it's impact on surrounding lands and Geneva Lake.

Longer term, such plans should become part of cooperative multi-community master planning effort for the future of open, wet and forested lands surrounding Geneva Lake and it's watershed.

In the interest of conserving the natural resources of the land and the water quality and recreational values of nearby Geneva Lake, NO action concerning Geneva Ridge should be taken until specific plans and agreements to protect this property and the lake are produced and made public.

Sincerely,

Geneva Lake Conservancy

James V. Celano III
Executive Director