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Cabela's To Build on Wetlands Next to Lambeau Under Special Law

Lobbyists got Gov. Scott Walker to pass special law allowing building on wetlands for the Green Bay Packers and Cabela's.

When Gov. Scott Walker passed a special law for his lobbyist friends that would allow them to build a shopping mall on wetlands next to Lambeau Field in Green Bay — the prospective tenant, Pro Bass Shops said they would not be leasing there, as they do not use wetland for building sites.

Now however, the latest news is that Cabela's will be a tenant at that site. I guess Cabela's is not as environmentally friendly as Pro Bass Shops.

A disappointing aspect to this story is that it is the Green Bay Packers who are pushing for this building on wetlands.

As Wisconsin's team, and owned by thousands and thousands of Wisconsin citizens, you wouldn't think the Green Bay Packers would be pushing to build on wetlands.

I wonder if the Packer's owners (thousands of ordinary citizens) are happy the company they own is going to build on wetlands and I wonder if people will actually patronize a Cabela's that is built on wetlands.

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Sandy June 1, 2012 at 03:13 pm
You bring up an excellent point Kevin. I think one of the problems stems from the journalists' lack of writing about all the pros, cons and any other information necessary to tell the whole story in their articles. If all were to do that I think we would have way less arguments and way more thinking things through. The name calling is a childish byproduct of ones habit of jumping to the defensive instead of getting all the facts first. I myself have been guilty of the later, try real hard not to be guilty of the former.
David Tatarowicz June 1, 2012 at 03:18 pm
@Jay It is nice to develop new wetlands, but as Kevin pointed out above, when you take away a wetland from a particular location, there are unintended consequences, such as basement flooding.
Especially in Shorewood and Whitefish Bay, we have had real experience with flooding and sewage backup, and now we are creating new wetlands to help offset some of that. It is not only that there is a wetland, but where it is --- they occur naturally where water tends to collect -- and they are not necessarily wet all the time, but act as a sponge and a filter for when the conditions are right. They can actually build their development without going on the wetlands, with some changes in the architecture --- why don't they do that? And why are the Packers, and as I understand Director Bergstrom, so set on this development and using wetlands? I would have thought that without some billionaire owning the Packers, they would be more sensitive to what they are doing, as they do not need to be greedy.
David Tatarowicz June 1, 2012 at 03:19 pm
Wetlands belong to all residents of the state of Wisconsin, that is why we have state (and federal) laws regulating them.
David Tatarowicz June 1, 2012 at 03:20 pm
@Alfred --- and Milwaukee has huge flooding and sewage problems --- thanks for making my point.
David Tatarowicz June 1, 2012 at 03:23 pm
@Steve There are always many sides to a story, and I brought out the ones that outraged me --- nice flag you got of Wisconsin there for your logo --- I am sure you will be glad when all the forests are clear cut, the open pit mines are abundant, and the wetlands are all paved over for parking lots
Alfred June 1, 2012 at 03:25 pm
Mr Tatarowicz, flooding of basements is the direct result of the mismanaged and poorly designed liberal wet dream of the Deep Tunnel Project, has nothing to do with swamps being covered up for people to build homes and earn a living.
David Tatarowicz June 1, 2012 at 03:27 pm
@Greg Hey Greg, maybe Cabelas could stake a few Fawns in the parking lot so you can practice hitting deer with your SUV while you shop --- maybe Alfred will clean them for you for a share of the meat (and btw I am a hunter -- but I also think we need to protect the environment --- come to think of it, Ducks Unlimited support wetlands too)
Greg June 1, 2012 at 03:35 pm
Actually, now we are fighting opium funded elements.
Greg June 1, 2012 at 03:38 pm
Or, or, or maybe Cabelas could fill in lake Michgan to build a store, we know they will stop at nothing.
Bob McBride June 1, 2012 at 03:41 pm
There are economic effects of this project that are of more concern to the folks of Green Bay than they are to those who live in Shorewood, for instance. Like it or not, those need to be taken into consideration when making the proper determination as to how to resolve the issue. We should be willing to defer to the folks who live up there, as they no doubt know the area better than you or I do and can't be assumed to be such rubes that they can't grasp the environmental concepts on their own. Let them handle it.
Randy1949 June 1, 2012 at 03:49 pm
Alfred -- Do you even understand the reasons for flooding and the function of wetlands -- or even the preservation of green-spaces to soak up rainwater before it runs off into the storm sewers?
I rather think you do not. Nope, for you it's all about the almighty buck, and once the water has run off your gleaming property or your toilet has flushed, it's someone else's problem to deal with.
Greg June 1, 2012 at 03:50 pm
"I am sure you will be glad when all the forests are clear cut, the open pit mines are abundant, and the wetlands are all paved over for parking lots"
You forgot, all the fawns run over by SUVs. Drama queen.
Bob McBride June 1, 2012 at 03:52 pm
Let's see...we went from Cabela's on the swamp next to Lambeau to "Al Quida".
BTW, didn't we take out their veteran QB last year?
Alfred June 1, 2012 at 03:57 pm
Randy unless you want to do away with concrete and asphalt roads, there will always be run off of rain water. The reason for backed up basements of sewerage is because of liberal goofs like you that would not separate the sewerage and rain water, the liberal wet dream of the Deep Tunnel project is too small for such volume. Opine away all day long about swamps, unless you want our roadways to be replaced with swamp land. I have a very large SUV but I still would get stuck.
Greg June 1, 2012 at 04:00 pm
I think the main asset is having destinations clustered, rather than having people driving all over the place to separate locations. Less oil used, wet lands saved, our President is gay and everyone is happy.
Randy1949 June 1, 2012 at 04:12 pm
@Alfred -- I don't want to do away with concrete and asphalt. I just want to use a little intelligence about where we put it. A wetland is there for a reason. Ignore that and you'll have more sewage in the lakes and rivers.
And don't talk to me about the deep tunnel. I don't live there and have no impact at all on Milwaukee County's municipal services.
Steve ® June 1, 2012 at 04:39 pm
"all the forests are clear cut, the open pit mines are abundant, and the wetlands are all paved over for parking lots"
My dream come true, just think what that would mean! No hippie intervention that leads to job loss and economic downturn. We would have like 2% unemployment in WI, Walker would be even more of a king! Pave the planet, dill for oil in Lake Michigan. Mine the entire state.
Jay Sykes June 1, 2012 at 04:53 pm
@Randy... MMSD is not a Milwaukee County municipal service, it is its own entity, with the City of Milwaukee possessing a majority voting control. Most of Milwaukee County is in the MMSD service area, as is much of the area within the very first ring of suburbs in Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee Counties
Randy1949 June 1, 2012 at 04:58 pm
All well and good, Jay, but I'm still not a part of it.
Steve W June 1, 2012 at 05:05 pm
If you are going to constantly run slanted pieces against the Governor- why should we suddenly believe this is an actual problem against the environment- and not another made up hit piece to move this ridiculous recall forward? I think your timing is suspect one week before an election. Maybe if you kept your political opinions nuetral you would have some ground to stand on here.
Greg June 1, 2012 at 05:23 pm
Not one of these teary eyed tree huggers is going to boycott the Packers, just like they were glued to their power chugging Chinese made TVs to watch Donald Driver dance, as the planet continued to die. It could be argued, and won, that a single Packer game is more damaging to the environment than the Cabelas will be. But logic and facts are no fun, Go Pack...
David Tatarowicz June 1, 2012 at 06:31 pm
@Steve Actually I had written about this a long time ago, when Walker first got the special legislation passed to allow the shopping mall on wetlands, after he was lobbied to do so by his business backers and the Wisconsin Realtors Association.
I thought the problem went away when Pro Bass Shops said they do NOT build on Wetlands --- Period !! Little did I know that the business interests would find a company that seems to have less scruples to occupy the wetlands -- that was a New Development. I actually wasn't going to write about it again, as I figured that of all people, Hunters, Fishermen, etc. would put pressure on Cabela's and that Packer Owners (aka mostly fans) would not let their Team embark on this environmentally backwards venture --- especially as I see lots of fans in camo at games and I think a large percentage of them are out doors sports people .... Maybe now people will wake up!
David Tatarowicz June 1, 2012 at 06:37 pm
According to the Associated Press:
"MADISON — Republican Gov. Scott Walker has proposed exempting a parcel of Brown County wetlands owned by a Republican campaign donor from water quality standards. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper reports car dealer John Bergstrom owns the wetlands and has been working on a retail project there for about a year. Bergstrom's attorney tells the newspaper the Department of Natural Resources has approved the project but environmentalists oppose it." From JS Online: "Gov. Scott Walker and legislative leaders said Friday they would move quickly to enact a bill that would allow a developer to build on a wetland near Lambeau Field, even as the retailer envisioned for the development announced that it would not build on such a site. Walker's comments came after Bass Pro Shops issued a statement saying the company does not favor building a store where wetlands are present. The Missouri-based retailer had earlier discussed with a developer building a store at Highway 41 and Lombardi Ave. in Ashwaubenon near the home of the Green Bay Packers."
David Tatarowicz June 1, 2012 at 06:39 pm
Who is John Bergstrom
1) He has a large auto dealership business 2) He owns wetlands that he wants to develop 3) He is part of the Executive Committee of the Green Bay Packers !!! Executive Committee The seven-member Executive Committee of the Green Bay Packers presently is composed of Mark H. Murphy, President; Larry L. Weyers, Vice President; Carl W. Kuehne, Secretary; Mark J. McMullen, Treasurer; Daniel T. Ariens, Member; John F. Bergstrom, Member; Edward N. Martin, Member. QUESTION: Is Bergstrom using his position with the Packers to get the Team to endorse building on wetlands for his own profit? And if so, what do the thousands of Owners of the Green Bay Packers think about that?
Craig June 1, 2012 at 06:46 pm
You people do understand that run off from developments will CREATE wetlands? In an area that has a small parcel of undeveloped land, it tends to be the place to divert all run off waters. Only recently ( the past ten years ), have we required developers to create retention ponds to handle run off.
That being said, moving an existing wetland is not a big deal. Most often moving the wetland properly will alleviate issues with flooding of basements, etc., and is better for the ecosystem because of heavy metals and contaminants that have accumulated.
Greg June 1, 2012 at 06:55 pm
Just to be clear, the JS Online article is from Jan. 28, 2011
mau June 1, 2012 at 07:02 pm
Boycott the Green Bay Packers.
Greg June 1, 2012 at 07:45 pm
Remove your names from the season ticket waiting list... Let's show them who is boss.
GearHead June 2, 2012 at 11:09 am
This is an excellent example of all parties working together ... Isn't that what we want?
Cynthia Kuhl June 10, 2012 at 05:09 am
Kevin -
I really liked what you had to say. I really agree too. I'm open to debate but have become so weary or all the arguing. Debate allows for resolution and arguing does not. If so, what's the point? Why do people read these articles than? Just to snipe back and forth calling names? Pointless. Why read if you want to dismiss each other out of hand as a "tree hugger or right-winged Jesus freak? If you want to build on a wetland you're a right winged Jesus freak and if not you're a tree hugger? And all discussion stops because we devalue each others opinions. I am just so leary of politics lately, it's tiring. Is it even possible to look at issues in an impartial way anymore? Look at the merits and pitfalls presented by an impartial presentation (do these even EXIST anymore??). Growing up I remember getting yelled at for asking an adult who they voted for. It used to be private. You didn't discuss it in mixed company because it was personal and people didn't want to offend each other. That sounds kinda nice now.
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Steve ® June 10, 2013 at 03:55 pm
So? What was used and what harm does it cause? Although ironic this may provide more good thanRead More harm. What is written on the application sign?
Cricket June 11, 2013 at 01:31 pm
The bluff and other areas need to be planted with things that will snuff out the weeds. They areRead More harmful to animals and possibly birds, of which there are many at atwater. Obviously not many animals but there are squirrels and rabbits and other native mammals. Not to mention the kids at the play area. Most adult humans can handle an occasional wiff of a pesticide but not children or animals. I have held several pesticide licenses in my day so I have had much course work on this. I am surprised the village has done this but I know restoration is about to begin - again - on the bluff and perhaps they are trying to rid the bluff of all the weeds. It is a shame that the 15+ kids they hire every year can't be up there weeding instead. I don't know what else they could be doing as the village has reduced the amount of annual flower beds that need to be maintained.
PaulRevere June 10, 2013 at 12:40 pm
The liberal minded Patch had it going their way for some time. Then, the contrary opinions became aRead More "voice to be heard". So, like all liberal media, just shut down the "free speech". Speech that educates the people is a NO-NO in the world of "public education". Have no fear, other avenues to educate the public is on the way.
CowDung June 10, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Given the amount of liberal propaganda that is posted around here, one does have to wonder if PatchRead More intended to make it more difficult to reply to comments (and set the record straight)...
Mike Stevens June 14, 2013 at 07:20 am
Wow, PaulRevere, AKA the hardest working person in America, who only takes 1 day per month off andRead More who believes all evil is related to public schooling, has time to not only comment on St. Louis area Patch sites, but on Milwaukee area sites as well? Paul, perhaps you should go back to school to check your grammar--other avenues to educate the public ARE on the way, not IS on the way. Oh, you must be too busy working 20 hours a day (but finding tons of time to comment on several Patch sites) to check grammar
Walker celebrates after defeating the liberal unionista blue fisters
Steve ® June 6, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Sure Keith. I am sure every time you use the term Tea Bagger it is not vulgar. The symbol for yourRead More failed recall movement was a Blue Fist. No one wants to be ruled by a fist and I don't see how that is vulgar when your own logo was a blue fist. Try again.
Keith Schmitz June 6, 2013 at 01:03 pm
Are you assuming we're stupid Steve? Don't. BTW -- you called yourselves Tea Baggers. We're onlyRead More using the term you selected. What a great PR roll-up for this group of Neanderthals. You're problem with that any fister reference is usually the speaker feels it is where his head should be.
Greg June 6, 2013 at 01:10 pm
OHHHHHHHHHHHHH, that is why their fists are blue, OUCH!
Bob McBride June 6, 2013 at 09:04 am
I think if you look at most of the sites still running the older version, you'll see the sameRead More messages of impending doom we got just before the change...
Bob McBride June 6, 2013 at 09:15 am
I got the name wrong, it was "Bellmore", not Belmont. It was part of rollout of what atRead More the time was being referred to as "Patch 2.0" in the press. It was rolled out to five towns in the Long Island, NY area in September of last year. I'm going to attempt to post a link to an article:: http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/189296/aols-redesigned-patch-websites-make-a-play-for-neighborhood-groups/
CowDung June 6, 2013 at 09:30 am
"I think if you look at most of the sites still running the older version, you'll see the sameRead More messages of impending doom we got just before the change... " | I think that's true, Bob. I poked around at a number of Patch sites around the country and the 'Welcome to the New Patch' articles were full of the same complaints we are seeing here. | This Patch redesign seems to be the 'New Coke' of websites...
Greg June 4, 2013 at 03:38 pm
Starting at ONLY $70,000.00 Time to cash in your aluminum cans.
FailBoat
Nuitari June 3, 2013 at 08:37 pm
These posts are certainly more enlightening than Lyle Ruble's junk.
Steve ® June 3, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Racist
Steve ® June 2, 2013 at 11:38 pm
The main stream media says yes. So it's true.