Lawsuit Update: Hearing on Requested Injunction February 27th

The Alliance has filed three separate petitions regarding the DNR’s Final Master Plan for the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area on the Badger Lands. One petition was filed in Sauk County Court against DNR and its approval of the Master Plan that contained “high impact” recreation. [Petition can be found here.]

A second petition asks the Sauk County judge to issue a temporary “stay” or partial injunction on (only) the high impact activities included in the Master Plan, contending that if those activities are implemented, there will be uncertain environmental damage and impacts to “silent sport” users of the property and to nesting grassland birds.  [Petition can be found here.]

A third lawsuit was filed in January against the National Park Service for failing to uphold environmental laws pertaining to the portion of the Badger property they transferred to DNR. [Petition can be found here.]

In a strong statement of defiance, the DNR has argued, in a recent 38-page response, against the temporary injunction on a portion of the Master Plan.  DNR argues that motorcyclists, who have never been allowed at Badger, will be “harmed” by NOT having immediate access to the Recreation Area.  It’s an interesting read!  [Read DNR response here.]

On February 27th at 9:00am in a Baraboo courtroom, Judge Guy Reynolds will hear arguments from DNR’s attorneys and the Alliance’s attorneys pertaining to the request for the partial injunction of the Master Plan.  The public is welcome (and encouraged!) to attend.  See our Event post here.

We anticipate the judge’s decision on the partial injunction within two months of the hearing.  The two lawsuits may take one or even two years to resolve.  We’ll keep you informed.