Officials want details of school forest designation

The Cedar Grove-Belgium School Board and school officials support the idea of adding an outdoor classroom next to the high school.

But they want to know exactly what it means to have a portion of land designated as a school forest by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Director of Buildings and Grounds Ben Lukens, who has been working on the project since last fall, wants to turn an empty piece of property north of the high school into a nature center.

Lukens plans on having a prairie, a pond, walking trails and an educational pavilion. A grass path to hold cross country meets would also be maintained.

If the district’s application is approved, UW-Stevens Point and a Department of Natural Resources agent would be assigned to the district to provide guidance on what to plant where, Lukens said. They would also develop a management plan, he said.

The district would also receive educational plans and staff would attend workshops to learn how to implement classes.

“What does it mean for our obligation?” Supt. Chad Brakke asked.

Lukens said the land would have to be used for education and the district and community would have to manage it.

Board member Jeremy Spriggs asked the length of commitment or if the school could back out of the deal.

Lukens said he would have to check on that.

“I love the concept, the educational value, the community value, the cross country course aspect of it,” Board President Chad Hoopman said.

But if the Village of Cedar Grove decides to extend Sixth Street, it would travel through a portion of the nature center. Hoopman wants to know if the district could sell lots 20 years down the road.

“What potential limitations are there? Not only what is the long-term commitment but what are the restrictions downstream with future boards?” he asked.

Lukens said he will get that information.

For information on UW-Stevens Point’s school forest program, visit https://www.uwsp.edu/wcee/wcee/leaf/sf/.