Are We Really Running Out of Land?

If You Believe the Extremists, the answer is "yes". But the Reality is Far Different.

When you shake out the myths, rumors and misconceptions, the number tell another story. According to Michael King, division administrator for the Community Analysis and Planning Division (CAPD) of Dane County's Department of Planning and Development, Dane County Wisconsin encomposses 1,196 square miles. At the beginning of this century, about 9 percent - roughly 103 square miles - was developed. His projections, made as part of an overall outline for planning and urban development in the area, suggest that another 42 square miles will be developed between now and 2030, bringing the total to 12 percent of the available land.

According to CAPD statistics, in the 30 years from 1970 to 2000, Dane County grew 1.29 percent, adding about 136,000 residents. Projections call for an additional 153,000 new residents to make their homes here by 2030- a growth rate of 1.03 percent.

While Dane County Wisconsin may be one of the fastest growing counties in Wisconsin, it is hardly the subject of a mass migration-if the CAPD numbers are to be believed, the rate of growth is actually slowing.

The myth that by developing new residential neighborhoods we are using up all the valuable cropland and taking away from Wisconsin's rural charm is just that...a myth. Given the county's projections, in 2030, 88 percent of Dane County's land will still be covered in trees, wetlands, corn and soybean fields or some other "green space". Residents of Madison, Wisconsin will still be able to drive 15 minutes in any direction and be "in the country". And, as modern agriculture contineus to bring new crop varieties and technology online, area farmers will continue to generate record yields from fewer and fewer acres of land. The days of planting every square acre available just to bring in a viable crop are long gone. Today's farmer concentrates his or her efforts on their best, most productive acreage to get the highest return on their investment of time and resources.

---Provided by Madison Area Builders Association, September 2006

Post by Darren Kittleson, Principal, GCK Investments, LLC