Marchstone Development Underway for Black Earth Creek Watershed
Updated: 1 day ago
Phase 1 of the 480-acre Marchstone Development began March 2026, including grading of the site, construction of utilities and streets, installation of stormwater management practices, and preparation of residential sites. Phase 1 (126 homes) is located within the Village of Cross Plains (VCP) and its existing Urban Service Area (USA) and is expected to be completed in early 2027. So far, there has been no observed stormwater discharge of excessive sediment from the channel draining the construction site into Black Earth Creek (BEC), despite several moderate to large rain events.
According to the stormwater management plan approved for Phase 1, the development is designed to achieve more than 98% infiltration of pre-development precipitation. This level exceeds the 90% infiltration rate required by the VCP. Maintaining infiltration as close as possible to pre-development conditions helps support “groundwater recharge” via movement of surface water downward through the soil to replenish underground aquifers and thereby help maintain existing groundwater-fed spring flows to BEC and its tributaries. These cold springs provide a constant source of near 50-degree (F) water flowing into BEC, rather than warmer surface runoff carried through ditches, drainage channels, and gullies.
Phase 2, which includes 263 more homes and a proposed 200 acre golf course, is currently in the planning stage. If approved, it would include the adjacent area east of Phase 1 that was recently annexed by the VCP from the Town of Cross Plains.
The VCP plans to submit a required USA amendment request to the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) for Phase 2 by November or December. A USA amendment is part of the broader Sewer Service Area amendment process administered through CARPC's water-quality planning program. The process includes an application, public hearing, CARPC staff review, Commission action, final review and approval by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
As with Phase 1, effective stormwater management, infiltration of precipitation, and protection of groundwater and surface-water quality will be important components of Phase 2. At a June 8 VCP Board public hearing, the developer stated Phase 2 would achieve at least a 98% rate of precipitation infiltration compared to pre-development conditions. Research in the watershed has shown wooded areas to be particularly important for groundwater infiltration and can also help filter pollutants before groundwater reaches BEC through springs. Consequently, protecting these areas and maintaining effective stormwater management will be important as the development progresses.
At the June 22, 2026, meeting of the Village of Cross Plains Board, forming a watershed advisory committee potentially attached to the Village of Cross Plains Plan Commission was presented for future consideration. In addition, learning about incorporating “water quality friendly" pesticide and fertilizer management practices into the design and operation of the proposed golf course was also presented during the meeting. As Marchstone moves forward, continued attention to protecting water quality, stormwater management, groundwater recharge, erosion control, pesticide and fertilizer management practices, and maintenance of groundwater-fed springs will be needed to help sustain the health of Black Earth Creek and the surrounding watershed. (See here for more marchstone-relevant information).
