A proposal by Dane County planners for Indian Lake County Park contains building a paved road on top of an existing ski and hiking trail to allow people to drive into the woods close to the small warming hut area. That area is currently just a short walk from the existing parking lot and is already mostly accessible for handicapped users via a gravel road (though to the bottom of the hill). The proposed new paved road and parking would essentially take over the interior of the woods in that area, negatively affecting, and in places eliminating, the existing trail system. The woods and trails are extremely popular for hiking and cross-country skiing. A second paved one-lane road is proposed to come in from the south to meet the other road, completely bisecting the woods, which is bad for hikers, skiers and the ecosystem. It allows invasive species. Please oppose this plan by contacting Dane County officials.

Nancy Wiegand, Madison