To the editor:

PDR can spur collaborative effort

March 19, 2007

It seems not many issues cause communities to work together these days. However, starting a countywide Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program could be one of them.

For a PDR program to be most successful, a shared land use vision is needed, identifying areas that are best suited for future growth and those that should be protected. The process of developing such a plan is something each community must do under state law. How well they coordinate with each other depends on local leadership.

Conflicting land use plans among neighboring communities happens a lot in Wisconsin - and all too often migrate to our court system for resolution - at taxpayer expense. However, creating a county PDR program could help break down political barriers and encourage more collaboration on land use planning.

The primary tool in a PDR program is a permanent land preservation easement recorded on the property deed, which does not allow future development, but encourages investment in "agricultural enterprise areas." Once delineated, these areas would reflect a land preservation commitment to the public and the agricultural industry, still one of the largest employers in the county. Everyone would know what lands are targeted - leaving no hidden agendas.

Due to the 1-1/2- to 3-mile extraterritorial jurisdictions of villages and cities respectively, this means towns, cities and villages must all work with the county in identifying targeted lands and supporting program goals through local planning and zoning efforts. PDR is not a silver bullet, just one important piece of the puzzle to help implement the overall land use vision.

The county already has started the process by coordinating comprehensive planning among eleven communities, and conducting an evaluation of farmland countywide for protection potential. Experience shows that once a PDR program is established, communities start to see the positive influence on the local landscape, economy and quality of life - and public support grows.

We expect our community leaders to demonstrate vision and the ability to work together. If enough of us vote yes on the April 3 land preservation referendum, it will help make it happen.

Perry Lindquist, Slinger
Former Vice Chairman, Washington County PDR Task Force