MARATHON COUNTY

HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2011-2016

PREPARED BY MARATHON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

06/13/2011

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MARATHON COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN

CHAPTER 1 PLANNING PROCESS ............................................................................................................................ 6

1.1 PLAN INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 6

1.2 DISASTER MITIGATION ACT OF 2000 .................................................................................................................... 7

1.3 PLANNING PROCESS ........................................................................................................................................... 7

1.4 COMMITTEES ................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.4.1 Environmental Resources Committee ...................................................................................................... 8

1.4.2 Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission ........................................................................... 8

1.4.3 Local Emergency Planning Committee ..................................................................................................... 9

1.4.4 Public Safety Committee ........................................................................................................................ 10

1.5 INVOLVEMENT FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ........................................................................................................ 11

1.6 NEIGHBORING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT .......................................................................................................... 13

1.7 LOCAL AND REGIONAL AGENCY INVOLVEMENT ...................................................................................................... 13

1.8 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES ..................................................................................................................................... 14

1.9 PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS .................................................................................................................................. 14

1.10 INCORPORATED TECHNICAL DATA ....................................................................................................................... 15

1.11 PLANNING MECHANISMS INCORPORATING HAZARD MITIGATION ............................................................................. 15

1.12 CONTACT INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................. 16

CHAPTER 2 PLANNING AREA ................................................................................................................................ 17

2.1 GENERAL GEOGRAPHY ..................................................................................................................................... 17

2.1.1 Location ................................................................................................................................................. 17

2.1.2 Civil Divisions .......................................................................................................................................... 18

2.2 DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC PROFILE ............................................................................................................. 20

2.2.1 Current Population Trends ..................................................................................................................... 20

2.2.2 Population Forecasts .............................................................................................................................. 23

2.2.3 Minority Population ............................................................................................................................... 23

2.2.4 Employment ........................................................................................................................................... 24

2.3 GENERAL LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS .................................................................................................... 26

Current Pattern of Land Use ............................................................................................................................... 26

2.3.1 Barren .................................................................................................................................................... 28

2.3.2 Commercial ............................................................................................................................................ 28

2.3.3 Cropland ................................................................................................................................................. 28

2.3.4 Forest Land ............................................................................................................................................ 28

2.3.5 Industrial ................................................................................................................................................ 29

2.3.6 Multi-family residential .......................................................................................................................... 29

2.3.7 Other Agriculture ................................................................................................................................... 29

2.3.8 Public/Quasi-Public ................................................................................................................................ 29

2.3.9 Quarry .................................................................................................................................................... 30

2.3.10 Recreational ...................................................................................................................................... 30

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2.3.11 Single Family Residential ................................................................................................................... 30

2.3.12 Specialty Crop .................................................................................................................................... 31

2.3.13 Transportation ................................................................................................................................... 31

2.4 NATURAL FEATURES/ENVIRONMENT................................................................................................................... 32

2.4.1 Rivers and Streams ................................................................................................................................ 32

2.4.2 Lakes ...................................................................................................................................................... 32

2.4.3 Wetlands ................................................................................................................................................ 33

2.4.4 Floodplains ............................................................................................................................................. 33

2.4.5 Parks/Wildlife Areas/Trails .................................................................................................................... 33

2.5 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM ................................................................................................................................ 36

2.5.1 Road Network ........................................................................................................................................ 36

2.5.2 Airports .................................................................................................................................................. 36

2.5.3 Rail ......................................................................................................................................................... 36

2.5.4 Transit .................................................................................................................................................... 37

2.6 CRITICAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES ....................................................................................................................... 39

2.6.1 Emergency Operations Center ............................................................................................................... 39

2.6.2 Communication Facilities ....................................................................................................................... 39

2.6.3 Hazardous Materials Storage and Use .................................................................................................. 39

2.6.4 Emergency Services ................................................................................................................................ 40

2.6.5 Major Medical Facilities ......................................................................................................................... 44

2.6.6 Corrections/Jail ...................................................................................................................................... 44

2.6.7 Utilities ................................................................................................................................................... 45

2.7 HISTORIC PROPERTIES AND DISTRICTS ................................................................................................................. 47

CHAPTER 3 RISK ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 48

3.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND PRIORITIZATION ...................................................................................................... 48

3.1.1 Hazard Analysis ...................................................................................................................................... 48

3.1.2 Hazard Prioritization .............................................................................................................................. 49

3.1.3 Hazard Events Historical Summary ........................................................................................................ 50

3.2 VULNERABLE STRUCTURES/FACILITIES ................................................................................................................. 51

3.3 VULNERABLE POPULATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 51

3.3.1 Elderly and Disabled Populations ........................................................................................................... 51

3.3.2 Populations with Language Barriers ...................................................................................................... 51

3.4 VULNERABILITY AND RISK ASSESSMENT BY HAZARD ................................................................................. 51

3.4.1 HAZARDS OF LITTLE OR NO RISK ......................................................................................................................... 51 Earthquake ....................................................................................................................................................................... 51 Land Subsidence ............................................................................................................................................................... 52 Landslide .......................................................................................................................................................................... 52

3.4.2 POTENTIAL HAZARDS ....................................................................................................................................... 53 Winter Storms .................................................................................................................................................................. 53 Tornadoes ........................................................................................................................................................................ 55 Flooding ............................................................................................................................................................................ 62 Dam Failure ...................................................................................................................................................................... 69 Fire ................................................................................................................................................................................... 70 Transportation Incidents .................................................................................................................................................. 75 Severe Thunderstorms ..................................................................................................................................................... 82 Agricultural/Hydrologic Drought ...................................................................................................................................... 84

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Hazardous Materials Incidents ......................................................................................................................................... 87 Groundwater Contamination ........................................................................................................................................... 90

CHAPTER 4 MITIGATION STRATEGIES .................................................................................................................. 98

4.1 ALL HAZARDS ................................................................................................................................................. 99

4.2 WINTER STORMS ............................................................................................................................................ 99

4.3 TORNADOES ................................................................................................................................................. 100

4.4 FLOODING ................................................................................................................................................... 100

4.5 FIRES .......................................................................................................................................................... 101

4.6 TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS ......................................................................................................................... 102

4.7 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS .................................................................................................................. 102

4.8 GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION ................................................................................................................... 102

CHAPTER 5 PLAN MAINTENANCE AND ADOPTION PROCESS .............................................................................. 103

5.1 PLAN EVALUATION AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................. 103

5.2 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................................................. 105

5.3 PLAN COORDINATION .................................................................................................................................... 105

5.4 PLAN ADOPTION ........................................................................................................................................... 106

APPENDIX A EMERGENCY GOVERNMENT HAZARD MITIGATION SURVEY ......................................................... 107

APPENDIX B MARATHON COUNTY CRITICAL FACILITIES .................................................................................... 112

APPENDIX C MARATHON COUNTY RAILROAD CROSSINGS ................................................................................ 119

APPENDIX E SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................................... 182

TABLES

Table 1-1 Environmental Resources Committee Members ......................................................................... 8

Table 1-2 Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission ............................................................... 9

Table 1-3 Local Emergency Planning Committee Members ...................................................................... 10

Table 1-4 Public Safety Committee Members ........................................................................................... 11

Table 1-5 Local Jurisdiction Involvement in Planning ................................................................................. 12

Table 1-6 Hazard Mitigation related Community Connection Articles ...................................................... 14

Table 2-1 Geographical Size by Civil Division ............................................................................................. 18

Table 2-2 Geographical Size by Civil Division ............................................................................................. 21

Table 2-3 Community Demographics ......................................................................................................... 24

Table 2-4 Employment Statistics ................................................................................................................ 25

Table 2-5 Marathon County Land Use ....................................................................................................... 26

Table 2-6 Marathon County Rivers and Streams ....................................................................................... 32

Table 2-7 Marathon County Power Plants ................................................................................................. 45

Table 2-8 Marathon County Historic Places ............................................................................................... 47

Table 3-1 Marathon County Hazard Analysis Results 2010 ....................................................................... 49

Table 3-2 Marathon County Hazard Events 1950-2010 ............................................................................. 50

Table 3-3 Tornados in Marathon County June 25, 1950 - July 31, 2010 .................................................... 58

Table 3-4 Marathon County Campgrounds................................................................................................ 61

Table 3-5 Reported Floods in Marathon County 1994-2010 ..................................................................... 64

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Table 3-6 Marathon County Repetitive Loss Structures ............................................................................ 66

Table 3-7 NFIP Compliance in Marathon County ....................................................................................... 67

Table 3-8 Large Dams in Marathon County ............................................................................................... 70

Table 3-9 Forest Fires in DNR Fire Districts in Marathon County 2005-2010 ............................................ 71

Table 3-10 Fire Danger: Communities-at-Risk and Communities of Concern ........................................... 73

Table 3-11 Summary of Motor Vehicle Crashes in Marathon County 1997-2008 ..................................... 76

Table 3-12 Highway-Rail Incidents in Marathon County 1999-2009 ......................................................... 77

Table 3-13 Aviation Incidents in Marathon County 1994-2010 ................................................................. 80

Table 3-14 Hazardous Materials Incidents in Marathon County 1990-2010 ............................................. 88

Table 3-15 Marathon County Public Water Systems ................................................................................. 93

Table 5-1 2011 Plan Update Summary ................................................................................................... 104

FIGURES

Figure 2-1 Marathon Counties Geographical Location in Wisconsin ......................................................... 17

Figure 2-2 Marathon County Land Use/Cover ........................................................................................... 27

Figure 2-3 Marathon County Floodplain Areas ........................................................................................... 34

Figure 2-4 Marathon County Recreation Areas and Parks ......................................................................... 35

Figure 2-5 Marathon County Regional Transportation .............................................................................. 38

Figure 2-6 Marathon County Law Enforcement Agencies ......................................................................... 41

Figure 2-7 Marathon County Fire Departments ........................................................................................ 42

Figure 2-8 Marathon County Health Care Facilities ................................................................................... 43

Figure 2-9 Marathon County Jail - Adult Facility ........................................................................................ 44

Figure 3-1 Graph of Hazard Analysis Results 2010.................................................................................... 50

Figure 3-2 Earthquake Probability Map ..................................................................................................... 52

Figure 3-3 Wisconsin Karst Deposit Map ................................................................................................... 52

Figure 3-4 Tornado damage Town of Reid- June 2007 .............................................................................. 57

Figure 3-5 Mobile Homes in Marathon County ......................................................................................... 60

Figure 3-6 Flooding Town of Stettin September 2010 ............................................................................... 63

Figure 3-7 Marathon County Floodplain Areas .......................................................................................... 68

Figure 3-8 Causes of Fires in Wisconsin ..................................................................................................... 71

Figure 3-9 Marathon County WIDNR Fire Districts .................................................................................... 74

Figure 3-10 Marathon County Railroad Crossings ..................................................................................... 79

Figure 3-11 Wisconsin Palmer Drought Severity Index 1895-2010 ........................................................... 86

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Chapter 1 PLANNING PROCESS

This section of the Marathon County Hazard Mitigation Plan describes and documents the process used to develop the Plan. This includes how it was prepared and who was involved in the process, including participation by local governments. It also describes the time period in which the Plan was prepared, and who to contact to answer questions and make recommendations for future plan updates.

1.1 Plan Introduction

Before assessing these characteristics of the plan it is important to understand the role of hazard mitigation in emergency management. The phases of emergency management are preparedness, response, recovery, and hazard mitigation.

Preparedness includes emergency plans, training, drills, and exercises that individuals, communities, and first responders participate in. These activities are designed to build confidence and test the skills and abilities of responders and the equipment they use to respond to emergencies.

Response is the short-term emergency actions taken to address the immediate impacts of a hazard.

Recovery is the longer-term process of restoring the community back to normal or pre-disaster conditions.

Hazard mitigation is defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as “any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards”. Hazard mitigation is the preventative component of the responsibilities of Marathon County Emergency Management. Mitigation activities are actions that will prevent or eliminate losses, even if an incident does occur. Mitigation can reduce or eliminate the need for an emergency response and greatly reduce the recovery period.

The mitigation planning requirements of 44 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 201.6 (d) (44 CFR 201.6(d)) require that local hazard mitigation plans must be reviewed, updated to reflect changes in development, progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities, and reapproved every five years for local jurisdictions to be able to receive hazard mitigation funding. Thus, in December 2009, Marathon County began preparations for the update of the plan. The previous plan had been adopted in May 2006.

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1.2 Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000

On October 30, 2000, the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K) was passed by the US Congress in an attempt to stem the losses from disasters, reduce future public and private expenditures, and to speed up response and recovery from disasters. This act (Public Law 106-390) amended the Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The following is a summary of the parts of DMA2K that pertain to local governments:

The Act establishes a new requirement for local governments to prepare a Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to be eligible for funding from FEMA through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Assistance Program and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The Act establishes a requirement that natural hazards such as tornados, floods and wildfires, need to be addressed in the risk assessment and vulnerability analysis parts of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The Act authorizes up to seven percent of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds available to a state after a federal disaster to be used for development of state, local and tribal organizations Hazard Mitigation Plans.

1.3 Planning Process

In 2004 Marathon County Emergency Management (MCEM) initiated the Hazard Mitigation planning process by securing funding to complete the Plan. MCEM hired a consultant, URS, to author the Plan. MCEM and URS worked together to engage committees and community members in the planning process.

In 2010, Marathon County elected to complete the plan update utilizing Marathon County staff. The plan update was initiated by Marathon County Conservation Planning and Zoning (CPZ). CPZ applied for, and received funding through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation program (FFY09) to complete the plan update. Staff from CPZ and Marathon County Emergency Management served as project managers for plan development.

Staff from Marathon County Conservation Planning and Zoning, Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Department met with each community individually, identifying which portions of the plan required updating, changes and revisions. New information was sought to update data that had been included in the earlier plan. In some cases content was removed that was no longer pertinent.

1.4 Committees

The oversight committees were chosen based upon each committee’s mission and how it relates to hazard mitigation planning. Updates of the planning process were presented and each committee was asked to provide input. Some committees provided input to the planning

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process. For example, during a meeting with Local Emergency Planning Committee the Solid Waste Administrator requested inclusion of the development of a debris management plan. Individuals from other counties also provided input.

1.4.1 Environmental Resources Committee Environmental Resources Committee mission statement: The Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee shall have the responsibility for providing education and leadership for reviewing, recommending and monitoring balanced policies, strategies and outcomes that protect and enhance natural and community resources through cooperation with all levels of government.

Membership: The Environmental Resources Committee is comprised of six (6) County Board Supervisors and one representative of the Town Associations of Marathon County appointed by the County Board Chairperson at the April meeting of the County Board in even numbered years.

The ERC meets as needed, usually monthly. Meetings are open to the public and are publicly noticed. Committee members are identified in table 1-1.

Presentations were given to the ERC regarding progress of the plan update, implementation, and recommendations on the following dates:

09/22/09

10/20/09

11/12/09

12/15/09

01/19/10

02/16/10

11/11/10

12/14/10

01/18/11 Table 1-1 Environmental Resources Committee Members

Member Residence

Elroy Zemke, Chair Rothschild

James Seefeldt, Vice-chair Wausau

Laverne Grunenwald Wausau

Ken Fable Schofield

Alan Kraus Town of Day

John Small Village of Marathon

Marilyn Bhend, Citizen Member Town of Johnson

1.4.2 Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission

Commission Purpose: The Commission shall be concerned with studies and recommendations relating to activities including but not limited to land-use; natural resources; utilities; and transportation systems within the metropolitan planning area.

Membership: The Commission consists of representatives of the metropolitan area (Cities of Wausau, Schofield, and Mosinee, Villages of Weston, Kronenwetter, and Rothschild, Towns of Rib Mountain, Wausau, Weston, Rib Mountain, Maine, Texas, Stettin, and Bergen). The

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meetings are usually held monthly. All meetings are open to the public and noticed publicly. Members of the Commission are listed in table 1-2.

Presentations were given to the MPC regarding progress of the plan update, implementation, and recommendations on the following dates:

01/13/09

11/10/09

12/08/09

02/09/10

03/09/10

04/20/10

05/11/10

09/23/10

11/09/10

12/14/10

Table 1-2 Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission

Member Representing Robert Wiesman, Chair Marathon County James Tipple, Vice-Chair City of Wausau Mike Gebert Town of Bergen Betty Hoenish Town of Maine Ernest Walters Town of Mosinee Allan Opall Town of Rib Mountain Matt Wasmundt Town of Stettin Matthew Bootz Town of Texas James Riehle Town of Wausau Milton Olson Town of Weston Judi Akey Village of Kronenwetter Neal Torney Village of Rothschild Fred Schuster Village of Weston Alan Erickson City of Mosinee Ken Fabel City of Schofield Daniel Grasser Wisconsin Department of Transportation

1.4.3 Local Emergency Planning Committee

Each Wisconsin County is designated as an emergency planning district and has a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to administer the local hazardous chemical planning program under the Emergency Planning and Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), also known as the Community Right-To-Know Act.

The Marathon County LEPC includes representatives from the county departments of highway, sheriff, corporation counsel, solid waste, and health. Membership includes emergency response, operators of affected facilities, representatives of the medical field, and the American Red Cross. The County administrator appoints members. The Marathon County LEPC meets quarterly. The meetings are open to the public. LEPC members are listed in table 1-3.

Periodic presentations were given to the LEPC regarding the progress of plan update and implementation. The presentations occurred on September 9, 2010 and December 9, 2010.

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Table 1-3 Local Emergency Planning Committee Members

Joe Baregi 3M Company

Jerome Boettcher Marathon County Emergency Management

Gary Buchberger Wausau Fire Department

Don Cline Marathon County Labor Council

Scott Corbett Marathon County Corporation Council

Tamarah Cox (Chair) Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Stephanie Duxbury-Weir Domtar Paper

Gordy Gauger Kraft Foods

Tom Grice Saint Clare’s Hospital

Dale Grosskurth Marathon County Health Dept.

Meleesa Johnson Marathon County Solid Waste

David Mason Marathon County Communications

Mark Pankow Wausau Police Department

Scott Parks Marathon County Sheriff Department

Bill Penker Community Service

Bob Pound Maine Fire Dept.

Roger Raasch Foremost Farms

Dan Raczkowski (Vice-Chair) Marathon County Highway Department

Rick Ryback Fiskars, Inc.

Wendy Savage American Red Cross

1.4.4 Public Safety Committee Mission/Purpose: The Public Safety Committee shall provide leadership in recommending, reviewing, and establishing policies on all public safety issues within Marathon County.

Membership: The Public Safety Committee shall be comprised of seven (7) County Board Supervisors appointed by the County Board Chairperson at the April meeting of the County Board in even numbered years. The meetings are usually held monthly. All meetings are open to the public and noticed publicly. Members of the Commission are listed in table 1-4.

Presentations were given to the Public Safety Committee regarding progress of the plan update, implementation, and recommendations on the following dates:

02/10/10

07/14/10

12/08/10

01/12/11

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Table 1-4 Public Safety Committee Members

Member Residence

Jim Schaefer, Chair Wausau

Karen Kellbach, Vice-chair Wausau

Gina Cornell Wausau

Sherry Abitz Wausau

Jean Maszk Mosinee

John Durham Mosinee

Charles Soukup Mosinee

1.5 Involvement from Local Governments

This plan was prepared as a multi-jurisdictional plan. All local units of government in the County were encouraged to participate in the planning process. How each municipality participated is indicated in

Appendix D.

In October 2009, presentations on Hazard Mitigation Planning were given at both the Eastern and Western Marathon County Towns and Villages Association.

An initial kick-off meeting was held on November 18, 2009. Officials from all Marathon County communities were invited to attend. The purpose of the meeting was to explain hazard mitigation planning, establish the planning process and timeline, and explain the process of plan adoption by the local units of government (cities and villages).

In January of 2010 all Marathon County communities were asked to complete a survey. The survey requested information about structures, critical facilities, plans for annexation, water facilities, gas and oil pipelines, and mitigation strategies completed in the past 5 years. The survey is included in Appendix A. The following communities participated in the survey: the towns of Berlin, Bern, Brighton, Cassel, Cleveland, Day, Easton, Frankfort, Franzen, Green Valley, Hamburg, Hewitt, Holton, Knowlton, McMillan, Maine, Plover, Rib Mountain, Ringle, Stettin, Texas, Wien and Weston, and the villages of Athens, Birnamwood, Brokaw, Edgar, Kronenwetter, Marathon Rothschild, Spencer, Stratford, Unity, and Weston, and the cities of Abbotsford, Colby, Marshfield, Mosinee, Schofield, and Wausau.

In April of 2010, Marathon County met with the communities on a one to one basis to seek additional input specific to the municipality. In many cases, communities have unique concerns. These concerns can be attributed to the geographical size and varied landscape of Marathon County. The meetings were held at locations around Marathon County and were used to work with each municipality individually. The following communities participated in the one-on-one meetings: the towns of Berlin, Brighton, Cassel, Day, Easton, Eau Pleine, Emmet, Frankfort, Franzen, Guenther, Halsey, Harrison, Hewitt, Holton, Johnson, Knowlton, Marathon, Rib Mountain, Rietbrock, Ringle, Spencer, Stettin, Texas Weston, and Wien, and the villages of

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Athens, Brokaw, Elderon, Hatley, Kronenwetter, Marathon, Rothschild, Spencer, Stratford, and Weston and the cities of Mosinee, Schofield, and Wausau.

Some municipalities in Marathon County lie partially in adjacent counties. These include the Villages of Birnamwood, Dorchester, and Unity, and the Cities of Abbotsford, Colby, and Marshfield. The City of Marshfield, which resides partially in Wood County, has opted to participate in the Wood County Hazard Mitigation Process. The Village of Birnamwood, which resides mostly in Shawano County, is participating in the Marathon County hazard mitigation planning process. All Towns in Marathon County are included in the Plan. This is because the Towns are not required to adopt the Plan individually; rather they are covered by the County’s adoption of the Plan.

Table 1-5 Local Jurisdiction Involvement in Planning

Jurisdiction 2006 Involvement 2011 Involvement

Mosinee (C) Yes No Yes No

Wausau (C) Yes No Yes No

Schofield (C) Yes No Yes No

Athens (V) Yes No Yes No

Birnamwood (V) Yes No Yes No

Brokaw (V) Yes No Yes No

Edgar (V) Yes No Yes No

Elderon (V) Yes No Yes No

Fenwood (V) Yes No Yes No

Hatley (V) Yes No Yes No

Kronenwetter (V) Yes No Yes No

Marathon City (V) Yes No Yes No

Rothschild (V) Yes No Yes No

Spencer (V) Yes No Yes No

Stratford (V) Yes No Yes No

Weston (V) Yes No Yes No

Bergen (T) Yes No Yes No

Berlin (T) Yes No Yes No

Bern (T) Yes No Yes No

Bevent (T) Yes No Yes No

Brighton (T) Yes No Yes No

Cassel (T) Yes No Yes No

Cleveland (T) Yes No Yes No

Day (T) Yes No Yes No

Easton (T) Yes No Yes No

Eau Pleine (T) Yes No Yes No

Elderon (T) Yes No Yes No

Emmet (T) Yes No Yes No

Frankfort (T) Yes No Yes No

Franzen (T) Yes No Yes No

Green Valley (T) Yes No Yes No

Guenther (T) Yes No Yes No

Halsey (T) Yes No Yes No

Hamburg (T) Yes No Yes No

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Jurisdiction 2006 Involvement 2011 Involvement

Harrison (T) Yes No Yes No

Hewitt (T) Yes No Yes No

Holton (T) Yes No Yes No

Hull (T) Yes No Yes No

Johnson (T) Yes No Yes No

Knowlton (T) Yes No Yes No

McMillan (T) Yes No Yes No

Maine (T) Yes No Yes No

Marathon (T) Yes No Yes No

Mosinee (T) Yes No Yes No

Norrie (T) Yes No Yes No

Plover (T) Yes No Yes No

Reid (T) Yes No Yes No

Rib Falls (T) Yes No Yes No

Rib Mountain (T) Yes No Yes No

Rietbrock (T) Yes No Yes No

Ringle (T) Yes No Yes No

Spencer (T) Yes No Yes No

Stettin (T) Yes No Yes No

Texas (T) Yes No Yes No

Wausau (T) Yes No Yes No

Weston (T) Yes No Yes No

Wien (T) Yes No Yes No

1.6 Neighboring Community Involvement

Surrounding counties include Lincoln, Langlade, Shawano, Waupaca, Portage, Wood, Clark and Taylor. Contact was initiated with all surrounding counties. Taylor County is currently preparing their Hazard Mitigation Plan. Lincoln, Portage and Langlade Counties have an approved plan. Clark County and Wood County are currently updating their plans.

1.7 Local and Regional Agency Involvement

An additional requirement of the planning process was to involve local and regional agencies, as well as private, public, and non-profit interest, in hazard mitigation activities. Phone interviews were conducted during the update process. Participants included:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Wausau Area Metropolitan Planning Commission

Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning

Wisconsin Emergency Management

Wausau Power

North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

Marathon County Public Safety Committee

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1.8 Newsletter Articles

Community Connections is a periodic (quarterly) newsletter by the Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee and Departments. It is sent to the boards/councils and planning commissions/committees of all Marathon County municipalities, all county employees, local media sources, interested citizens, and is posted on the county website. Articles related to hazard mitigation planning and/or implementation is listed in table 1-5.

Table 1-6 Hazard Mitigation related Community Connection Articles

Article Title Publication Date

National Flood Insurance Program January, 2009

Hazard Mitigation Planning January, 2009

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) July, 2009

National Flood Insurance Program July, 2009

National Flood Insurance Program January, 2010

Emergency Management, Hazard Mitigation & NFIP January, 2010

Deadline for NFIP Participation is Near May, 2010

Wisconsin Emergency Highway Aids Programs October, 2010

Flood Damage In Marathon County October, 2010

Flood Damaged Structures in the Floodplain October, 2010

1.9 Public Review Process

The draft Marathon County Hazard Mitigation Plan was available for public review at public informational meetings held on September 20, 2010 and October 27, 2010. Both meetings were publicly noticed with several local media sources. During these meetings, a presentation was given on the planning process, information provided by local municipalities, the hazard analysis results, and next steps. Municipalities and private vendors participated in the meetings.

Due to a small response related to Hazard Analysis, it was recommended by participants in the public review process that an online survey be published for the public to give their opinion of the possible threats to Marathon County. A survey was created and was distributed via email and made available on the Marathon County Website as well as the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department website. The data from this survey is included later in this document.

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1.10 Incorporated Technical Data Eau Pleine Reservoir Emergency Action Plan – December 2003

Marathon County Emergency Operation Plan – April 2002

Marathon County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2008-2013

Marathon County “County-Wide” Hazardous Materials Response Plan – September 2001

Marathon County Groundwater Protection Guide – 2001

Rothschild Hydroelectric Project Emergency Action Plan – Revised November 2003

Wausau Hydroelectric Plant Emergency Action Plan – December 1999

Marathon County Forest Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2006-2020

Marathon County Comprehensive Plan 2006

1.11 Planning Mechanisms Incorporating Hazard Mitigation

Marathon County Emergency Management utilizes a variety of response plans such as:

Marathon County Emergency Operations Plan, 50 – 55 EPCRA Off-Site Facility Plans for facilities

that meet the EPA’s ‘Planning Requirements’ for ‘Extremely Hazardous Substances’ or Sections

301-304 and Sections 311-312 of SARA Title III, the Strategic Plan/Hazard Analysis, Severe

Weather, Shelter-in-Place and Evacuation Plans. These plans can be categorized into two basic

types; plans that are used for direct emergency responses and plans that contain reference

data. While the majority of Emergency Management’s Response Plans focuses on specific

emergency responses and tactical objectives in the event of an emergency or disaster, other

plans such as the Hazard Mitigation Plan focuses on strategic goals to reduce or eliminate the

impact of the incident. These plans support and build on each other to prepare for

(Preparedness) respond to emergencies and disasters (Response) implementing activities after

the incident s’ initial response to return to a pre-incident status (Recovery) and to use planning

activities, response and recovery efforts to reduce or eliminate the probability of a incident

occurring (Mitigation).

As part of the process of updating the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan, Marathon County

conducted one on one meetings with all the local government (City, Village and Town)

representatives to discuss the purpose of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, perform an individual risk

assessments for each jurisdiction, and explain how this information can be used to develop

both long-term and short-term planning strategies to reduce potential hazards both at the local

level and by the County.

Every time an Emergency Management Plan is developed, updated or revised it should be

referenced to the Hazard Mitigation Plan, or the Hazard Mitigation Plan referenced to the local

‘Plan’ to see if either of them need modification. Using this process, new hazards may be

identified and or new strategies may be developed to eliminate or reduce risks.

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1.12 Contact Information Jerome Boettcher, Planner Marathon County Emergency Management 500 Forest Street Wausau, WI 54403 Phone: (715)261-1222 Fax: (715)849-7788 jerome.boettcher@co.marathon.wi.us

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Chapter 2 PLANNING AREA

Chapter 2 of the Marathon County Hazard Mitigation Plan provides demographic and geographic information for Marathon County. This information acts as a base for development of hazard mitigation strategies.

2.1 General Geography

2.1.1 Location

Located in north central Wisconsin, Marathon County is the largest of the 72 counties in Wisconsin with an area of 1,584 square miles. Marathon County sits in the rolling plains and hills of north central Wisconsin. Marathon County is surrounded by the counties of Lincoln, Langlade Shawano, Waupaca, Portage, Wood, Clark and Taylor.

In 1850 Marathon County was organized by action of the Wisconsin State Legislature. At that time Marathon County was heavily forested and only 500 residents called Marathon County “home”. During the 1850’s residents primarily made their living off of the vast timber resources. The City of Wausau was selected as the county seat. Today the Wausau metropolitan area is comprised of the communities of Brokaw, Weston, Schofield, Rothschild, Kronenwetter, Mosinee and the Town of Rib Mountain. In addition to these communities, there are nine

other incorporated cities and villages and 41 unincorporated towns in Marathon County.

Rib Mountain, located to the west of the Wausau metropolitan area, is the highest elevation in Marathon County and the third highest point in the State of Wisconsin. Rib Mountain has an elevation of 1,941 feet above sea level. The lowest elevation in Marathon County is at 1,100 feet above sea level and can be found at the southern end of Marathon County where the Wisconsin River flows into Portage County. The majority of the county’s topography ranges in elevation from 1,200 feet to 1,450 feet above sea level with a local elevation difference of less than 100 feet. The Wisconsin River bisects the County into two, fairly distinct halves. The eastern half of the County has retained a more wooded character while the western half contains large expanses of farmland. The Rietbrock Geographical Marker locates the center of the northern half of the Western Hemisphere. It is here that the 90th Meridian of Longitude bisects the 45th Parallel of Latitude, meaning it is halfway between the North Pole and the Equator and is a quarter of the way around the earth from Greenwich, England.

Figure 2-1 Marathon Counties Geographical Location in Wisconsin

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2.1.2 Civil Divisions

There are 62 municipalities in Marathon County. These include 41 towns, 15 villages and six cities. Three cities (Marshfield, Abbotsford, Colby) and 3 villages (Birnamwood, Dorchester, and Unity) have populations that primarily reside in neighboring counties. These governmental units provide the basic structure of the decision-making framework. Marathon County has a total surface area of 1,584 square miles of which 31 square miles are water. The area and proportion of the county within each civil division are presented in the following table. Table 2-1 Geographical Size by Civil Division

Name Square Miles Percentage of County

Abbotsford 1.51 0.10%

Athens 2.45 0.16%

Bergen 34.89 2.21%

Berlin 34.71 2.20%

Bern 34.05 2.16%

Bevent 42.72 2.71%

Birnamwood 0.06 0.00%

Brighton 34.26 2.17%

Brokaw 1.20 0.08%

City of Mosinee 8.68 0.55%

City of Wausau 19.90 1.26%

Cassel 33.07 2.10%

Cleveland 30.51 1.94%

Colby 0.90 0.06%

Day 34.02 2.16%

Dorchester 0.10 0.01%

Easton 42.87 2.72%

Eau Pleine 33.21 2.11%

Edgar 1.67 0.11%

Emmet 40.26 2.55%

Fenwood 0.98 0.06%

Frankfort 35.14 2.23%

Franzen 36.54 2.32%

Green Valley 35.18 2.23%

Guenther 34.73 2.20%

Halsey 33.16 2.10%

Hamburg 35.34 2.24%

Harrison 36.69 2.33%

Hatley 0.98 0.06%

Hewitt 43.48 2.76%

Holton 34.55 2.19%

Hull 32.63 2.07%

Johnson 35.03 2.22%

Knowlton 34.31 2.18%

Maine 42.46 2.69%

Marathon (town) 32.84 2.08%

Marathon (village) 2.35 0.15%

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Name Square Miles Percentage of County

Marshfield 1.89 0.12%

Mc Millan 34.32 2.18%

Norrie 35.15 2.23%

Plover 36.06 2.29%

Reid 42.34 2.69%

Rib Falls 35.75 2.27%

Rib Mountain 25.72 1.63%

Rietbrock 33.90 2.15%

Ringle 42.18 2.68%

Rothschild 6.91 0.44%

Schofield 2.84 0.18%

Stettin 36.69 2.33%

Stratford 5.34 0.34%

Elderon (town) 34.99 2.22%

Mosinee (town) 38.43 2.44%

Spencer (town) 31.68 2.01%

Wausau (town) 32.21 2.04%

Texas 44.89 2.85%

Unity 0.67 0.04%

Elderon (village) 1.13 0.07%

Kronenwetter 52.04 3.30%

Spencer (village) 1.97 0.12%

Weston (village) 21.62 1.37%

Weston (town) 8.89 0.56%

Wien 31.61 2.00%

Total 1,576.65

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2.2 Demographic and Economic Profile

2.2.1 Current Population Trends To assess hazards, it is important to know where the population centers are in the County. Table 2-2 represents the population distribution across Marathon County. As is evident from the table, over half of the total population of Marathon County resides in the Wausau metropolitan area. From 2000 – 2010, the communities that experienced the most population growth (as a percentage growth) include the villages of Hatley, Kronenwetter, and Weston. This is likely due to the availability of undeveloped land and close proximity to the Wausau area. Several towns also experienced a high rate of growth in population, most of which are near either the City of Wausau (Ringle, Knowlton, Guenther) or Marshfield (Spencer, Wien). Others that experienced significant growth are the towns of Cassel, Cleveland, Guenther, Hewitt, Knowlton, Ringle, Spencer, and Wien.

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Table 2-2 Geographical Size by Civil Division

Municipality 2010 Estimate % of County Population %change (2000 - 2010) change %of county population growth

Bergen 612 0.45% -0.5 -3 -0.03%

Berlin 974 0.71% 9.8 87 0.79%

Bern 603 0.44% 7.3 41 0.37%

Bevent 1,219 0.89% 8.3 93 0.84%

Brighton 618 0.45% 1.1 7 0.06%

Cassel 962 0.70% 13.6 115 1.04%

Cleveland 1,359 0.99% 17.2 199 1.80%

Day 1,114 0.81% 8.9 91 0.82%

Easton 1,140 0.83% 7.3 78 0.70%

Eau Pleine 787 0.57% 4.9 37 0.33%

Elderon 586 0.43% 3.4 19 0.17%

Emmet 928 0.68% 10.2 86 0.78%

Frankfort 705 0.52% 8.3 54 0.49%

Franzen 522 0.38% 3.4 17 0.15%

Green Valley 551 0.40% 7.2 37 0.33%

Guenther 341 0.25% 12.9 39 0.35%

Halsey 690 0.50% 7 45 0.41%

Hamburg 972 0.71% 8.6 62 0.56%

Harrison 454 0.33% 8.6 36 0.33%

Hewitt 621 0.45% 13.9 76 0.69%

Holton 932 0.68% 2.8 25 0.23%

Hull 773 0.56% 0 0 0.00%

Johnson 1,044 0.76% 5.1 51 0.46%

Knowlton 1,917 1.40% 13.6 229 2.07%

Maine 2,464 1.80% 2.4 87 0.79%

Marathon 1,129 0.82% 4.1 44 0.40%

McMillan 1,937 1.42% 8.2 147 1.33%

Mosinee 2,314 1.69% 7.8 168 1.52%

Norrie 1,060 0.77% 9.6 93 0.84%

Plover 737 0.54% 7.4 51 0.46%

Reid 1,286 0.94% 8 95 0.86%

Rib Falls 985 0.72% 8.6 78 0.70%

Rib Mountain 7,652 5.59% 1.3 96 0.87%

Rietbrock 1,003 0.73% 8.2 76 0.69%

Ringle 1,608 1.17% 14.2 200 1.81%

Spencer 1,617 1.18% 20.6 276 2.49%

Stettin 2,381 1.74% 8.7 190 1.72%

Texas 1,763 1.29% 3.5 60 0.54%

Wausau 2,276 1.66% 2.8 62 0.56%

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Municipality 2010 Estimate % of County Population %change (2000 - 2010) change %of county population growth

Weston 612 0.45% 19.1 98 0.89%

Wien 812 0.59% 14 100 0.90%

Athens 1,135 0.83% 3.7 40 0.36%

*Birnamwood 16 0.01% 60 6 0.05%

Brokaw 224 0.16% 109.3 117 1.06%

*Dorchester 4 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Edgar 1,494 1.09% 7.8 108 0.98%

Elderon 174 0.13% -7.9 -15 -0.14%

Fenwood 148 0.11% -14.9 -26 -0.23%

Hatley 537 0.39% 12.8 61 0.55%

Kronenwetter 6,621 4.84% 23.3 1252 11.31%

Marathon City 1,621 1.18% -1.2 -19 -0.17%

Rothschild 5,384 3.93% 8.3 414 3.74%

Spencer 1,976 1.44% 2.3 44 0.40%

Stratford 1,593 1.16% 4.6 70 0.63%

*Unity 190 0.14% -7.3 -15 -0.14%

Weston 14,610 10.67% 21 2531 22.86%

*Abbotsford 618 0.45% 13.6 74 0.67%

*Colby 525 0.38% 14.1 65 0.59%

*Marshfield 711 0.52% 70.5 294 2.66%

Mosinee 4,227 3.09% 4 164 1.48%

Schofield 2,306 1.68% 8.9 189 1.71%

Wausau 40,700 29.74% 5.9 2274 20.54%

136,874 100.00% 11070 100.00%

*Multiple Counties

Source: Wisconsin Dept. of Administration

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2.2.2 Population Forecasts The Demographic Services Center (Wisconsin Department of Administration) estimated the January 1, 2010 population of Marathon County at 136,874. This is an 8.8% increase since the 2000 Census. According to the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Marathon County is the tenth most populated county in Wisconsin. Projections to 2035 place Marathon County at the eleventh most populated county. It is predicted that growth around the Milwaukee and Chicago areas will push the populations of those surrounding counties ahead of others in the state. This will likely be due to people moving out of large cities and into smaller communities. Wisconsin’s growth is estimated to be 24% while projections indicate that the United States will see a total growth of 28% in the same timeframe.

Marathon County’s growth has been concentrated around the Wausau metropolitan area. Improvements to roadways along the I-39 corridor from the City of Wausau south to Portage County and east along STH-29 have been cited as factors related to this growth (United Way LIFE Report 2009-2011).

Census reports indicate that the percentage of the population in the 65 and older age groups will continue to increase not only in Marathon County but also across the state and the nation. The US Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, this group will comprise 21.2% of the total population in Marathon County.

2.2.3 Minority Population Marathon County has a high population of refugees from Laos, particularly in the metropolitan area. In the rural farming communities, there is a very high population of Hispanic or Latino immigrants. Minorities as a percent of the total population more than doubled from 3% in 1990 to 6.2% in 2000 and is at 6.5% as of the 2008 American Community Survey population estimate. These numbers do not take into account immigrants who have not registered with the US government or participate in the Census. It also does not factor an initiative that was undertaken in 2009 to bring approximately 500 refugees from Laos to Wausau. The 2008 US Census population estimates that 7.6% of all Marathon County residents speak a language other than English as their primary language. Specific demographic information is contained in table 2-3.

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Table 2-3 Community Demographics

Description

Marathon County Wisconsin United States

2000

Census

2009

Estimate

%

Change

2000-

2009

2000

Census

2009

Estimate

2000

Census

2009

Estimate

Population 125,834 131,612 4.60% 5,363,67

5 5,654,774 281,421,906 307,006,556

Median Age (Years) 36.3 39.2 8.00% 36 38.4 35.3 36.8

Median Household

Income $45,165 $49,674 10.00% $43,791 $49,993 $41,994 $50,221

Average Household Size 2.6 2.4 -7.70% 2.5 2.96 2.59 2.63

Speak Language other than English 7.40% 7.60% 2.70% 7.30% 8.30% 17.90% 20.00%

Age Under 5 Years 6.40% 6.40% 6.90%

5 to 9 years 6.80% 6.20% 6.60%

10 to 14 years 6.20% 6.40% 6.70%

15 to 19 years 7.20% 7.20% 7.10%

20 to 24 years 5.90% 7.30% 7.00%

25 to 34 12.30% 12.50% 13.50%

35 to 44 years 12.90% 13.20% 13.60%

45 to 54 years 16.00% 15.50% 14.50%

55 to 59 years 7.10% 6.60% 6.10%

60 to 64 years 5.10% 5.30% 5.20%

65 to 74 years 7.20% 6.90% 6.80%

75 to 84 years 5.10% 4.50% 4.30%

85+ Years 1.80% 2.00% 1.80%

Source: 2000 Census & the American Community Survey: 2009

Note: Comparisons of some data cannot be made from 2000-2009 due to changes in the survey questions. Data collected not comparable.

2.2.4 Employment

The information listed in table 2-4 illustrates the “employed population” of Marathon County. Marathon County, along with the State of Wisconsin and the United States of America, is currently in a recession, which has dramatically affected the labor force. Even with the recession, there are currently more jobs in Marathon County today than there were in 2000. The majority of jobs in Marathon County are in the production of goods; trade, transportation and utilities and education.

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Table 2-4 Employment Statistics

Aug

2010 Jul

2010 Aug

2009

Change from Previous

month year

Total Civilian Labor Force 73,296 73,726 74,931 -430 -1,635

Employment 67,299 67,600 68,328 -301 -1,029

Unemployment 5,997 6,126 6,603 -129 -606

Unemployment Rate 8.2% 8.3% 8.8% -0.1 -0.6

Total Nonfarm Wage & Salary Employment 66,200 66,300 67,600 -100 -1,400

Total Private 59,700 59,800 60,300 -100 -600

Goods Producing 17,900 17,900 17,800 0 100

Construction, Mining & Natural Resources 2,600 2,600 2,500 0 100

Manufacturing 15,300 15,300 15,300 0 0

Service Providing 48,300 48,400 49,800 -100 -1,500

Trade, Transportation & Utilities 14,100 14,200 14,600 -100 -500

Wholesale Trade 4,100 4,200 4,200 -100 -100

Retail Trade 7,900 7,900 8,200 0 -300

Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities 2,100 2,100 2,200 0 -100

Information 600 600 600 0 0

Financial Activities 5,600 5,600 5,700 0 -100

Professional & Business Services 4,000 4,000 4,200 0 -200

Education & Health Services 8,600 8,600 8,500 0 100

Leisure & Hospitality 5,700 5,700 5,600 0 100

Other Services, exc Public 3,200 3,200 3,300 0 -100

Total Government 6,500 6,500 7,300 0 -800

Federal Government 500 500 500 0 0

State Government 400 400 500 0 -100

Local Government 5,600 5,600 6,300 0 -700

Source: WI DWD, Local Area Unemployment Statistics and Current Employment Statistics programs

Major Employers in Marathon County include:

Aspirus Hospital

St. Clare's Hospital Kolbe and Kolbe Millwork

Wausau School District

Marathon Cheese Corp. Greenheck Fan Corporation

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co Foot Locker Corp. Services Apogee Wausau Group

North Central Health Care Facilities

2.3 General Land Use/Development Patterns

Marathon County is located in north central Wisconsin, where glaciers left behind rolling hills and valleys carved by abundant rivers and streams. The largest county in Wisconsin, encompassing 1,584 square miles, Marathon County was settled in the mid-nineteenth century to take advantage of its abundant pine forests. The Wisconsin River, which bisects the County, provided the waterpower necessary to haul and process the lumber. As the forests declined, Marathon County became a center for agriculture, specifically dairy production, and remains the number one ranking dairy producing county in Wisconsin.

Today, land use patterns in the County still reflect the original economic base, with farmland, woodland, and water-related resources covering much of the area. While most urban type development continues to concentrate in the Wisconsin River valley, changes in the agricultural economy and growing pressure for widespread residential development is slowly altering the land use pattern in rural areas across the County.

Current Pattern of Land Use

To assess potential hazard risk, it is important to inventory and examine the County’s current land uses and patterns of development. This helps to identify areas that may be particularly vulnerable to hazards. Land use cover for the years 2000 and 2008 is shown in table 2-5 and illustrated in figure 2-2.

Table 2-5 Marathon County Land Use

LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION

2008 ACREAGE

2008 %OF

TOTAL 2000

ACREAGE

2000-2008 GAIN/LOSS

(ACRES)

2000-2008 GAIN/LOSS

(%)

Barren 60,632 6.01% 49,561 11,071 22.34%

Commercial 5,245 0.52% 4,310 935 21.68%

Crop land 331,948 32.88% 352,841 -20,893 -5.92%

Forest land 382,870 37.92% 384,549 -1,679 -0.44%

Industrial 2,771 0.27% 2,499 271 10.85%

Multi-family residential 886 0.09% 626 260 41.53%

Other agriculture 104,123 10.31% 99,502 4,621 4.64%

Public/quasi-public 2,240 0.22% 1,898 343 18.05%

Quarry 3,674 0.36% 2,982 692 23.19%

Recreational 2,495 0.25% 2,754 -260 -9.43%

Single family residential 47,386 4.69% 41,179 6,207 15.07%

Specialty crop 3,874 0.38% 5,857 -1,983 -33.85%

Transportation 33,113 3.28% 32,167 945 2.94%

Water 28,322 2.81% 28,824 -502 -1.74%

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Figure 2-2 Marathon County Land Use/Cover

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Following is a description of the major types of land cover that dominate the overall County landscape.

2.3.1 Barren

Unused open land in wooded areas, along streams and roadsides. Acreage in the barren category increased by over 11,000 acres, over 22%, during the period from 2000 – 20008. This is likely due to the construction of the Weston/Arrowhead power line from Weston westerly across the county. In addition to the new power line, an existing power line in the eastern portion of the county was upgraded to a 345KV line, increasing the acreage of the power line easement to accommodate the larger poles.

2.3.2 Commercial

Retail stores, taverns, restaurants, truck stops, gas stations, farm coops, farm implement dealerships, automobile dealerships, business offices, motels/hotels, telephone/gas companies, medical services, waste disposal. Most commercial activities are concentrated in the incorporated communities. From 2000 to 2008, commercial services increased by 935 acres, or almost 22%. Some of the more significant commercial growth areas occurred in northeastern Marshfield along the State Highway 97 corridor, Weston at the intersections of State Highway 29 and County Road X and County Road J, Brokaw along County Road WW west to County Road K, and in Rothschild near the I39/County Road XX intersection (also known as Cedar Creek area). Some commercial services are scattered in the rural areas of the county, including the Ringle landfill and private businesses.

2.3.3 Cropland

Approximately 33% or 332,000 acres of the land base is in cropland. The majority of cropland is located in western Marathon County in large tracts and generally coincides with the soils most suitable for sustaining agriculture. Smaller tracts of farmland are scattered throughout eastern Marathon County. Cropland acreage decreased by approximately 6%, or 21,000 acres during the period of 2000 – 2008. It is likely that this is due to rural development. Road improvements have made it easier for residents to live in rural areas by providing an easy commute to job centers in the Wausau and Marshfield metro areas. Thus, convenient access to the urban area has increased demand in many historically rural towns for scattered low-density residential development. Additionally, several communities have increased the minimum lot size required to construct homes. This has resulted in larger tracts of land being converted to residential uses.

2.3.4 Forest Land

Marathon County was once nearly completely covered in forest land. Today, the remaining larger segments are concentrated in the eastern half and along the northern border of the County. Approximately 38% of the County is forested. Table 2-5 shows a decline in forestland of roughly 1680 acres. Much of this is likely due to differences in mapping in 2000 vs. 2008. In 2000, small pockets of trees mixed in residential and other uses were identified as forest. While the land cover could be considered forestland, the land use is the underlying use of the land. In 2008, these areas were interpreted based on the underlying use. The remaining decline in forestland is likely due to rural residential development in areas that were previously

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primarily large tract, single owner forestland and the clearing of forest land during the construction of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line.

Ownership of forestland has changed considerably in recent years. Several industrial forest land holdings have been converted to smaller, individual private holdings. While much of this land continues to be enrolled in Wisconsin’s Managed Forest Law (MFL), it is likely managed less intensively for timber production.

Less than 8% of the forested land in Marathon County is in county forestland. The Marathon County Forest consists of nine forest units, totaling 29,853 acres. Harrison-Hewitt, Leather Camp, Kronenwetter, Nine Mile Forest, Ringle Marsh, Burma Road, Wisconsin River Forest, Elderon, and the Bern Wetland.

2.3.5 Industrial

Saw/paper/lumber mills, industrial parks, trucking operations, and distribution centers. Industrial uses make up less than 1% of the land base in Marathon County. Most industry is located in the metropolitan area surrounding Wausau and in the outlying incorporated areas with sewer and water systems. During the period between 2000 and 2008, industrial land use increased by 11%, or 270 acres. Most of this can be attributed to in-fill in Marathon County’s 11 industrial parks. These parks are located in the cities of Mosinee, Wausau, Schofield, and Abbotsford and the villages of Weston, Rothschild, Marathon, Athens, Stratford, and Spencer.

2.3.6 Multi-family residential

Multiple family structures with three or more households, condos, duplexes, and apartments There are very few multi-family residential structures outside of the incorporated municipalities. The vast majority of multi-families structures are in the Wausau metro area. Recent conversions of existing buildings into multi-family dwellings, as well as construction of new condominium and retirement facilities have increased the multi-family land base by 42% (260 acres) during the period of 2000 – 2008.

2.3.7 Other Agriculture

Increasingly the communities along USH 51 have grown toward each other, and today function as a contiguous metropolitan area. Through the years, Wausau has expanded, mostly to the west into Stettin, along STH 29, in part to establish the Wausau West Industrial Park. Formerly rural communities on the edge of Wausau, such as Rib Mountain and the Village of Weston, have rapidly urbanized during the last decade. Recent improvements to the STH 29 corridor have also spurred development in communities south of the City of Wausau; effectively shifting the center of the metropolitan area to the south and east.

2.3.8 Public/Quasi-Public

Schools, churches, cemeteries, town halls, fire departments, National Guard The 2,240 acres of public/quasi-public is scattered throughout Marathon County. Most of the increase in acreage from 2000 to 2008 can be attributed to the construction of the new Wausau East High School, expansion of the University of Wisconsin Marathon County, renovation/expansion of the Rib Mountain Municipal Center and construction of the Rib Mountain Fire Department on Hummingbird Road.

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2.3.9 Quarry

Mining operations, sand and gravel pits Geologically, Marathon County has been influenced by glacial deposits, Precambrian bedrock and to a limited extent, Cambrian bedrock. A diverse nonmetallic mining industry has developed to take advantage of these resources. Quarries tend to be concentrated near unique geologic features. Sand and gravel is mined primarily near the major rivers, the Wisconsin, Big Rib, Plover and Eau Clare and provides aggregate for the local ready mix and precast concrete industry. Granite gruss (rotten granite) of the Nine Mile deposit located in the Towns of Rib Mountain, Mosinee and Emmet has regional appeal as a landscaping material and it is used locally to surface driveways and secondary roads. 3M operates a rhyolite quarry north of Wausau that produces shingle aggregates that are used nationwide. Railroad ballast and architectural dimension stone mined in Marathon County are used throughout the Midwest. During the period from 2000 to 2008 the acreage of active quarries increased from 2883 acres to 3099 acres (7.5%). Most of this increase can be attributed to a generally favorable construction climate and major infrastructure projects during the time period.

2.3.10 Recreational

Ball fields, golf courses, playgrounds, parks, trails, camp grounds, shooting ranges Marathon County has several privately owned golf courses and camp grounds, Athletic Park, which is home of the Wisconsin Woodchucks, 17 county parks, dozens of municipal parks, and two major trail systems. The majority of the recreational areas depicted on the land use map are golf courses, campgrounds, and the ski hill.

County and municipal parks: Marathon County has 17 County parks that encompass 3,370 acres, of which Big Eau Pleine Park is the largest at 1,450 acres. There are dozens of municipal parks scattered throughout the county ranging in size from a fraction of an acre to in excess of 40 acres. Facilities and extent of development vary greatly.

State parks and wildlife areas: The 27,139-acre George W. Mead Wildlife Area, south of the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir along the County’s southern border, is a major public open space in the towns of Green Valley and Bergen. The McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area, in the towns of Spencer and McMillan, carves out 4,172 acres along the Little Eau Pleine River. State-owned wildlife properties, as well as Rib Mountain State Park (1,182 acres) contribute large amounts of public open space in the County.

Trails: The Mountain Bay State Trail runs from Green Bay to Rib Mountain. The recent construction of a bicycle/pedestrian bridge connects the trail to Rib Mountain State Park. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,000 miles, 35 of which cross eastern Marathon County and entering the Dells of the Eau Claire.

2.3.11 Single Family Residential

One family structures, farm residences, mobile homes The land in single family residential use had increased by over 15% between 2000 and 2008. Some of this is attributed to differences in mapping, as discussed in the forestland section. The remaining increase in residential acreage is due to the trend towards larger lot size and the increase in population.

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2.3.12 Specialty Crop

Ginseng, orchards, vineyards, nurseries, groves Specialty crops cover less than 1% of the land base in the county. The market for these crops is specialized and tends to fluctuate from year to year. Although the acreage of specialty crops decreased by over 33%; the decrease is minimal when compared to the overall agricultural land base.

2.3.13 Transportation

Airports, highways, road right-of-ways, railroads, logging roads The transportation system increased by 945 acres between the years 2000 and 2008. This is attributed to the construction of County Road R in Rib Mountain and the numerous interior street networks serving new residential, industrial, and commercial development.

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2.4 Natural Features/Environment

2.4.1 Rivers and Streams The interconnected network of streams and rivers that cross Marathon a landscape of Marathon County is characteristic of a landscape influenced by glacial impacts. The primary rivers in Marathon County are listed in table 2-6. Table 2-6 Marathon County Rivers and Streams

Wisconsin River Flows north to south through the center of the county.

Big Rib River Flows north to south through the northwest part of the county to its confluence with the Wisconsin River along the south edge of the City of Wausau.

Eau Claire River Flows from the northeast part of the county south to its confluence with the Wisconsin River in the City of Schofield.

Big Eau Pleine River Flows north to south through western Marathon County to its confluence with the Wisconsin River in the City of Mosinee.

Little Eau Pleine River Flows west to east south of, and nearly parallel to the Big Eau Pleine River, to its confluence with the Wisconsin River in Portage County

Trappe River Flows east to west through northeaster Marathon County, entering the Wisconsin River in the Town of Texas.

Plover River Flows north to south through eastern Marathon County entering the Wisconsin River in the City of Stevens Point in Portage County.

Little Eau Claire River Slows northeast to southwest through eastern Marathon County.

Little Rib River Flows through northwestern Marathon County, entering the Big Rib River west of its confluence with the Wisconsin River.

Bull Junior Creek Flows through east central Marathon County, entering the Wisconsin River north of the City of Mosinee.

2.4.2 Lakes

There are 202 lakes in the County, providing over 26,000 acres of water surface. Many lakes lie in kettle holes left by the retreat of glaciers. Seepage lakes are the most common type of lake in the county. These lakes do not have any surface outflow, but depend on underground movement of water through highly permeable glacial soils for drainage. Most lakes are quite shallow, with depths ranging from less than one foot to a maximum of 34 feet. The largest lakes in the county have been formed behind river dams, including the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir, Lake Wausau, Half Moon Lake and Lake Du Bay.

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2.4.3 Wetlands

Wetlands consist of transitional areas between uplands and open water. Wetlands perform important ecological functions such as flood retention and water quality improvements. Wetlands were severely impacted or destroyed by agricultural activities from the late 1940s through the 1970s. Wetlands in Marathon County are generally located adjacent to rivers, creeks and floodplains as shown in figure 2-2. Most are wooded, although other classifications of wetlands are found in Marathon County.

2.4.4 Floodplains

Floodplains are low, flat, periodically flooded lands adjacent to rivers and lakes. These areas provide natural flood and erosion control as well as filtering surface water as it percolates through the soil, replenishing the groundwater. A 100-year flood is defined as a flood event that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year. The area in the 100-year floodplain is mapped by FEMA and is shown in figure 2-3. Lands in the 100-year floodplain are regulated through floodplain zoning ordinances. Wisconsin Statute 87.30 and NR 116 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code require counties, cities and villages to regulate floodplains.

2.4.5 Parks/Wildlife Areas/Trails

Marathon County has 17 County parks that encompass 3,370 acres, of which Big Eau Pleine Park is the largest at 1,450 acres. There are dozens of municipal parks scattered throughout the county ranging in size from a fraction of an acre to in excess of 40 acres. Facilities and extent of development vary greatly.

The 27,139-acre George W. Mead Wildlife Area, south of the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir along the County’s southern border, is a major public open space in the towns of Green Valley and Bergen. The McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area, in the towns of Spencer and McMillan, carves out 4,172 acres along the Little Eau Pleine River. State-owned wildlife properties, as well as Rib Mountain State Park (1,182 acres) contribute large amounts of public open space in the County.

The Mountain Bay State Trail runs from Green Bay to Rib Mountain. The recent construction of a bicycle/pedestrian bridge connects the trail to Rib Mountain State Park. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,000 miles, 35 of which cross eastern Marathon County and entering the Dells of the Eau Claire. Recreational areas and parks are shown in figure 2-4.

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Figure 2-3 Marathon County Floodplain Areas

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Figure 2-4 Marathon County Recreation Areas and Parks

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2.5 Transportation System

Well established and maintained transportation systems are essential for the safe movement of people and goods, and directly influences land use development patterns and economic development. Marathon County’s transportation system includes free-ways, state and county highways, local roads, airports, and rail. Marathon County’s transportation system is shown in figure 2-5.

2.5.1 Road Network Marathon County has one major east-west highway (State Highway 29) and one major north-south highway (I-39/USH 51). These highways intersect in the Wausau metropolitan area. STH 29 is designed as a freeway within the metropolitan area and an expressway with at-grade intersections in rural Marathon County. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has completed a STH 29 corridor preservation plan. The intent is to eliminate at-grade crossings and reduce access to meet freeway standards. STH 29 shares the US51 road segment between the STH29 East interchange located south of Wausau to the newly constructed STH29 West interchange located in Wausau. The combined USH51/STH29 section of freeway is the most heavily traveled section of highway in the county. The major traffic generators in the county are located within the Wausau metropolitan area. Much of the remainder of the county consists of rural agricultural lands and small villages generally served by two-lane state and county highways and local roads. Local roads in villages are mostly paved, whereas local roads in rural towns include both paved and gravel roads.

2.5.2 Airports The two major airports that serve Marathon County are the Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) located in Mosinee that provide passenger services with 3 main carriers, American, Delta, and United Airlines, as well as, private services and the Wausau Municipal Airport located in Wausau which provides only private services. There are also several small landing strips in the area that serve private pilots.

2.5.3 Rail The only active rail line through the Wausau metropolitan area runs along the Wisconsin River and I-39/STH 51 corridor. This Canadian National line runs north and south the length of the county. There is a rail yard in Mosinee that serves the Wausau Papers Mosinee Mill location and another rail yard in Wausau just north of the Schofield Industrial Park. A portion of the track connect to the east into the Village of Weston, and another portion branches off and runs parallel to STH 29 west of USH 51 and serves the Wausau West Industrial Park. . Other rail facilities that run along the western edge of Marathon County include active routes connecting Marshfield and Spencer to Superior in northwest Wisconsin and Milwaukee in southeast Wisconsin. The other line that runs along the same corridor from the south to Spencer diverts north through Unity, Colby, Abbotsford, and terminates in Medford.

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2.5.4 Transit

Metro Ride operates 7 bus routes in the City of Wausau which run at 30-minute intervals; 1 bus route in the Village of Weston, which runs at 30-minute intervals; and 1 bus route to Rothschild and Schofield, which operates at 60-minute intervals. Passengers can transfer between routes at the Metro Ride Transit Center, which is located at 555 Jefferson Street in downtown Wausau, one block from the Wausau Center Mall. Passengers can also transfer between Route C and Route K at Shopko in Rothschild. Two Saturday-only routes operate through Rothschild and Schofield and provide access to the Cedar Creek Mall area. Metro Ride contracts with Abby Vans for van services for the disabled. The service area includes the City of Wausau and areas within ¾ mile of a regular bus route in Rothschild, Schofield and Weston. Outside this area, North Central Health Care provides transit services for aging and disabled persons through semi fixed routes with some demand services available. Jefferson Lines provides inter-city transportation from Wausau and Rothschild to Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.

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Figure 2-5 Marathon County Regional Transportation

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2.6 Critical Community Facilities

Critical facilities are manmade structures or improvements that are critical to provide vital services and protection of the public. Examples of critical facilities include emergency operation centers (EOCs), health care facilities (figure 2-8), schools, jails, communication facilities, utilities (water, water treatment, power lines, gas lines, etc.), large group housing, and facilities that provide emergency shelter. Many of the facilities identified have emergency plans in place in the event of an emergency. Critical facilities in Marathon County are listed in Appendix B.

2.6.1 Emergency Operations Center The Marathon County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is the primary location for coordinating the county emergency response and recovery activities. The County EOC is combination of 4 conference rooms located in the Courthouse. Three of the rooms are located in the secure Sheriff’s Administration area of the Courthouse while the fourth is in the County Administrative offices. These rooms all have cable TV, wired for multiple telephones and have data system hookups. In the event the County EOC is inoperable for an extended period of time, emergency operations will be relocated to an Alternate EOC, location to be determined. Two portable communications systems are available to assist with operations.

2.6.2 Communication Facilities Project 25 Compliance: Project 25 (P-25) is a set of standards for digital radio communications for use by federal, state, and local public safety agencies to enable them to communicate with other agencies and mutual aid response teams during emergencies. Marathon County is in the process of constructing and/or upgrading its towers to create greater radio coverage throughout the county during emergency and be P-25 compliant by 2013.

Tone Alert: Marathon County maintains & operates Tone-Alert-Monitor System w