Climate Change Data

Town of St. Joseph

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023)

Reporting Period: 2023

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental Protection
  • Community Well-being
  • Accessibility

Environmental Achievements

  • Preservation and enhancement of 77.2 acres of natural areas in the St. Joseph Nature Preserve, including wetlands, prairies, and woodlands.
  • Acquisition of 6.40 acres of open space along the St. Croix River for conservation.

Social Achievements

  • Community surveys conducted in 2019 and 2021 to gather feedback on desired park and recreational facilities.
  • Development of a comprehensive outdoor recreation plan to guide future public decisions regarding recreation.

Governance Achievements

  • Establishment of a Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to oversee recreation planning and implementation.
  • Adoption of a new zoning ordinance in 2021 to reinforce designated conservation corridors.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Develop a trail system plan with connectivity between population centers, parks, commercial uses, adjacent communities, and other points of interest.
  • Expand large group gathering spaces and amenities.
  • Seek opportunities to establish St. Croix River access for community members.
Medium-term Goals:
  • Expand accessibility and ADA conformance to meet the recreation needs of people of all ages, abilities and accessibility needs.
  • Evaluate the need for a neighborhood park in the Burkhardt population center.
  • Expand all-season uses of Town parks and recreation programs.
Short-term Goals:
  • Develop a Parks Management Plan.
  • Improve restroom facilities at Town Parks.
  • Improve and add park recreational trails.

Environmental Challenges

  • Meeting the increasing demand for outdoor recreation activities.
  • Balancing the needs of diverse user groups in public spaces.
  • Ensuring accessibility for all community members.
  • Addressing safety concerns on the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Development of a Parks Management Plan to guide maintenance, operation, and development of Town parks.
  • Expansion of accessibility and ADA conformance to meet the recreation needs of people of all ages, abilities, and accessibility needs.
  • Addition of crosswalks and signage at trail crossings.
  • Collaboration with community members to gather input and address concerns.

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Guidelines for the Development of Local Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans