Marchstone Development Proposed for Black Earth Creek Watershed

by John Donaldson and Andy Morton, BECWA Board of Directors

On July 28, 2025 the preliminary plat for phase 1 of the proposed 480-acre Marchstone Development was approved at a joint meeting of the Cross Plains Village Board and Plan Commission. Phase 1 is within the Village limits and the existing Urban Service Area (USA) near Airport Road. If finally approved, grading, utility and street construction could start by Spring 2026 (see proposed timeline and links to more information).

For subsequent phases of the development, including additional homes and a 200-acre golf course, the Village of Cross Plains has requested annexing land currently in the Town of Cross Plains. Also, a USA expansion would need approval by the Capitol Area Regional Planning Commission. The map (created by Kate Baldwin) illustrates the area proposed for development (double blue lines), including cropland (light neutral) and woodland (green) that would be replaced by new homes (open polygons), streets (gold lines), and a golf course (outlined brown areas). Existing structures are dark blue rectangles.

Map of proposed Marchstone development

Interactive Map

Downhill from the proposed development is the large Festge Springs Complex, which continuously supplies cold spring water to Black Earth Creek (BEC) making it a renowned trout fishery. These springs are fed by infiltration, where precipitation soaks into the ground and subsequently enters streams as cool spring flow, instead of surface runoff from ditches, drain ways,

and gullies. Woodlands are natural sponges, promoting high infiltration, which replenishes groundwater and filters out pollutants before they reach BEC.

Although Phase 1 meets the Village’s stormwater management and infiltration ordinance requirements (90%), recognizing the importance of infiltration to the quality of BEC, at the July 28 public meeting BECWA requested maximizing infiltration at 100% of post development runoff. Both BECWA and Trout Unlimited (TU) stressed the importance of green infrastructure practices to protect groundwater quantity and quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and ensure the continuance of spring flow into BEC. Moreover, that the cumulative impact of this proposed development on surface water and springs flowing into BEC be assessed by independent experts. One plan commission member urged the developer to work with local groups to develop “solutions for all parties”. The developer has indicated willingness to collaborate with TU and BECWA to address issues of concern. Links to statements from BECWA and TU on the right.

Image from ESchoolToday

Statements about Marchstone