To: Wisconsin State Representatives, City of Baraboo Officials, and Local Planning Authorities

We, the undersigned residents, visitors, and supporters of Baraboo and its natural surroundings, are deeply concerned about the proposed development of a large hotel and vacation villa complex near the north entrance of Devil’s Lake State Park, adjacent to protected forest land.

This proposal, led by Baraboo Bluff Hospitality LLC, aims to build an 80-room hotel and 31 vacation villas just steps from one of Wisconsin’s most visited and ecologically significant state parks. While we understand the importance of economic development and the city’s desire to increase revenue, we believe this project is the wrong approach — in the wrong location.

Our Concerns:

• Overcrowding: Devil’s Lake already faces significant strain during peak seasons. Parking often overflows, and the park’s natural serenity is compromised by excess foot traffic. This development would worsen an already unsustainable situation.

• Proximity to Protected Land: The proposed site borders some of our most treasured protected forests and public lands. Once lost, these natural spaces cannot be reclaimed.

• Redundancy: The Baraboo area has recently welcomed new lodging options, and world-class resorts in nearby Wisconsin Dells already serve tourism needs. Baraboo does not need to replicate or compete with the Dells.

• Environmental Impact: This scale of development brings long-term consequences for wildlife, water quality, and natural ecosystems.

• Lack of Transparency: The development process has lacked sufficient community engagement and transparency. Our voices deserve to be heard before irreversible changes are made.

• Loss of Identity: Baraboo’s charm lies in its unique character, community values, and access to nature — not in becoming another resort town.

We support progress, but not at the cost of our community’s integrity and environmental heritage. Our protected land is worth more than the short-term revenue this business proposes.

We are calling on our state and local representatives to:

• Place strict restrictions on large-scale developments near protected land;

• Require full environmental reviews and community engagement before any project of this scale is approved;

• Demand that any future development include a reinvestment plan into park maintenance and conservation efforts.

We respectfully urge you to preserve the character, beauty, and sustainability of Baraboo by opposing this project.

Sincerely,

[Signatures]